Hamas rules out truce with Israel, but may limit attacks

[Aidoneus]

I seem to remember that there was another thread, somewhat recent, about a new ceasefire/truce being spoken of, but I cannot find it now on the first couple pages. So I'll start a new one for this instead..

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Last Update: 03/11/2003 00:43
Hamas rules out truce with Israel, but may limit attacks
By Tsahar Rotem, Amos Harel and Arnon Regular, Haaretz Correspondents, Haaretz Service and Agencies

The Islamic group Hamas ruled out on Monday a new unilateral suspension of attacks on Israel, saying it would be willing to limit attacks to Israeli soldiers and settlers if Israel stopped harming Palestinian civilians.

"The issue that will be possible to be addressed (with the Palestinian Authority) is continuing the resistance to the (Israeli)
occupation while avoiding civilian casualties," Hamas chief spokesman Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi told Reuters.

"But if the enemy (Israel) does not accept then resistance will continue comprehensively," he said.

--snip--

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/356052.html

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Arafat Says He's Ready for Peace Talks
Sunday November 2, 2003 11:01 PM
By MARK LAVIE
Associated Press Writer

JERUSALEM (AP) - Following an Israeli offer, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat said Sunday he is ready for peace talks, while about 6,000 Palestinians returned to jobs in Israel for the first time in a month.

In an abrupt turnaround last week, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said contacts were already underway with Palestinian officials, adding, ``We are ready to enter negotiations at any time.''

Sharon had previously conditioned talks on a crackdown on violent Palestinian groups responsible for attacks on Israelis.

Asked about Sharon's remarks, Arafat told reporters he would accept an offer for talks.

``There is no official communication, but we are ready,'' he said after meeting a delegation of Greek lawmakers at his headquarters in the West Bank town of Ramallah.

--snip--

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-3340587,00.html

[Darranar]

1. Somehow I doubt Hamas...

will become a strictly legitimate resistance organization.

Not that israel will stop killing Palestinian civilians, anyway...

[tinnypriv]

2. Attacks on the IOF are terrorism

Therefore, instead of calling the bluff of Hamas (and it is almost certainly a bluff), Israel will refuse to even consider any change in policy.

Israel has the right to bomb the Palestinians.

The expected response to this will be some kind of provocation (Rafah-style demolitions, a couple of 'liquidations' etc).

[auH2Olost]

3. It's too late

It's getting late, for scribbling and scratching on the paper.
Something's gonna give under this pressure,
and the cracks are already beginning to show,
It's too late.