Palestinian Official Says New Government will Recognize Israel

The world watched in earnest yesterday as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced a unity pact with Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement which many believe is also a terrorist organization.

In the wake of this announcement, Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah has resigned, clearing the way for the Fatah-Hamas government.

“I present my resignation, and the government is in your excellency’s hands whenever you wish,” he stated.

The unity pact held by Hamas and Fatah look to agree upon a new government within five weeks, and to hold an election six months after that.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the pact yesterday, suspending peace talks with the Palestinians over the new arrangement, stating that Israel will not negotiate with an organization that is dedicated to its destruction.

Speaking to the Times of Israel, however, a Palestinian official has claimed that Abbas will tell the PLO's Central Committee on Saturday when he presents his political policies that the new government will recognize Israel, and also accept agreements made between Israelis and Palestinians in the past.

The official, who asked not to be named, added that the Hatas-Fatah government would be committed to a two-state solution, and will look to negotiate with the State of Israel in order for this vision to come to pass.

According to Abbas, the new government will not comprise of politicians, but rather technocrats. He also mentioned that representatives of Hamas and Fatah will not be members of the government.

Israeli political members voted unanimously Thursday to suspend peace talks with the Palestinian Authority, saying they “will not negotiate with a Palestinian government that incorporates Hamas, a terrorist organization that seeks the destruction of Israel,” according to an issued statement.

They added that the government will consider engaging in peace talks again if the Fatah and Hamas unity pact fails.