Hamas continued reaching out to the Obama Administration, this time in an exclusive interview of the group’s leader Khalid Meshal with the New York Times. He stated that the group intends to pursue a working relationship with the West, and urged observers to understand that the organization can adapt and negotiate depending on the circumstance. He also agreed to a temporary Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, although many Palestinians use these borders as merely a stepping stone to obtaining additional territory. Meshal even agreed to a ten-year truce with Israel but he stated that the group would still not acknowledge Israel or its right to exist, generally preconditions for negotiations with the group. However, ten years in the Middle East is a long time and, if Hamas can actually refrain from terror attacks in that period, additional peace negotiations could potentially flourish. Meshal also candidly praised President Obama while denouncing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as reminiscent of previous administrations’ policies. Notably Meshal quotes include:
“I promise the American administration and the international community that we will be part of the solution, period.”
“Not firing the rockets currently is part of an evaluation from the movement which serves the Palestinians’ interest. After all, the firing is a method, not a goal. Resistance is a legitimate right, but practicing such a right comes under an evaluation by the movement’s leaders.”
“The priority is ending the occupation and achieving the national project… As for the nature of the state, it’s to be determined by the people. It will never be imposed upon them.”
