Dialogue with Hamas

The Irish Times comments on the ceasefire in Gaza, arguing for dialogue with Hamas. "That political reality should now be recognised and tested by a more imaginative and searching diplomatic effort on the Israeli-Palestinian question, including on Gaza's future. Excluding Hamas from any political engagement until it recognises Israel's right to exist and renounces terrorism is a misguided and self-defeating strategy. Rather should these be clear-cut objectives of an eventual agreement. That would provide an incentive for the organisation to develop its pragmatic, political character, including its willingness to participate in a national Palestinian government following fresh elections. The recent international involvement by the UN secretary general and by Arab and European states can now be joined by the Obama administration in a fresh search for peace. Like it or not, Hamas should be part of that."

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