Ra'am Party Leader Explains Refusal to Label Hamas a Terror Group
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Ra'am party chairman Mansour Abbas explained his refusal to call Hamas a terror organization, stating it's to keep dialogue open with both Israelis and Palestinians. He believes this approach is necessary to foster peace talks and bridge divides. Abbas affirmed his party condemns violence against civilians, a stance consistent with their identity as Israeli citizens and Arab-Palestinians. His comments were made during an interview with Saudi channel Al-Arabiya.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Mansour Abbas refuses to label Hamas a terror group to maintain dialogue channels.
- Abbas believes keeping communication open is crucial for advancing peace talks.
- Ra'am party condemns violence against civilians, according to Abbas.
- Abbas cited his identity as an Israeli citizen and Palestinian Arab for his stance.
- The remarks were made during an interview with Saudi channel Al-Arabiya.
Mansour Abbas, chairman of the Ra'am party, explained his refusal to label Hamas a terror organization in an interview with Saudi channel Al-Arabiya. Abbas stated that this stance is intended to keep communication channels open with both the Palestinian and Israeli sides, emphasizing the need to "talk to both sides, and bring the positions closer." He believes both sides have lost hope for a resolution based on a two-state solution. Abbas clarified that his caution in wording is to "leave the doors open" for dialogue. He also stressed that his party does not shy away from condemning violence against civilians, a position held since the Oslo Accords. Abbas described this as a normal and logical stance for law-abiding citizens of Israel and for Arab-Palestinians who have opinions on events in the Palestinian territories. He added that the "present and future of our Palestinian people, and their right to freedom and independence" are important to him. These remarks follow his similar avoidance of labeling Hamas a terror group during consultations at the President's Residence. Abbas differentiated between condemning violence against civilians, which he explicitly does, and using a definition that he believes could hinder his ability to continue speaking with both parties.
