Ra'am Party Leader Explains Refusal to Label Hamas as Terrorist
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Mansour Abbas, head of Israel's Ra'am party, explained his refusal to call Hamas a terrorist organization, stating he wants to keep dialogue open with both Palestinian and Israeli sides. He believes maintaining communication is crucial as both sides have lost hope for peace. Abbas affirmed his party condemns violence against civilians, distinguishing this from labeling Hamas, which he feels could limit his negotiating ability.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ra'am party leader Mansour Abbas avoids calling Hamas a terrorist group to maintain dialogue.
- Abbas stated his position during an interview with Saudi channel Al-Arabiya.
- He met with Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog and maintained his stance.
- Abbas stressed his party condemns violence against civilians.
- He believes dialogue is essential as both sides have lost hope for peace.
- Abbas cited his dual identity as an Israeli citizen and Palestinian Arab.
Mansour Abbas, head of the Arab Ra'am party and a Member of the Knesset, explained on Thursday evening why he avoids labeling Hamas a terrorist organization. Speaking in an interview with Saudi channel Al-Arabiya, Abbas stated his desire to maintain open channels of dialogue with both Palestinian and Israeli sides. He maintained this stance during a visit to Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog's residence.
Abbas emphasized the need to preserve the ability to negotiate with both parties, noting that both the Palestinian and Israeli-Jewish sides have lost hope for a peace settlement based on a two-state solution. He clarified that his careful wording was intentional, aiming to keep doors open for communication with both sides.
While refusing to use the term "terrorist organization" for Hamas, Abbas stressed that his party does not shy away from condemning attacks on civilians. "If we are asked to condemn 'political violence' against the civilian population, we have never hesitated in this, starting from the first days of the Oslo Accords," he stated.
Abbas attributed this position to his dual identity as a law-abiding citizen of Israel and a Palestinian Arab with his own perspective on events. He also highlighted the importance of the "present and future of our Palestinian people, as well as their right to freedom and independence."
These statements followed a similar refusal by Abbas to label Hamas as a terrorist organization during consultations at the President's residence. He seeks to differentiate between condemning violence against civilians and using a label that could hinder his dialogue efforts.
