Subscribe to Print Edition | Tue., March 04, 2008 Adar1 27, 5768 | | Israel Time: 06:58 (EST+7)
Haaretz israel news English
web haaretz.com
  Back to Homepage
Rosner's Domain
Diplomacy
Defense Jewish World Opinion National
Print Edition
Advertising
Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. (Jini Archives)
Last update - 16:35 23/12/2007
Ehud Olmert rejects Hamas' offer of cease-fire in Gaza Strip
By Barak Ravid, Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff, Haaretz Correspondents
Tags: Hosni Mubarak, Hamas 

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday rejected Hamas' offer of a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, saying the government would not hold talks with the Islamist group until it recognizes Israel.

Olmert's comments came as three Qassam rockets fired by Palestinian militants struck the western Negev, causing no damage or injuries.

"The State of Israel has no interest in negotiating with entities that do not recognize the Quartet demands," said Olmert during the weekly cabinet meeting.
Advertisement

The Quartet of Middle East negotiators - the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia - have demanded that Hamas recognize Israel, renounce violence, and accept previously signed agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

"Whoever accepts the Quartet principles will, in principle, be a partner for negotiations," Olmert said. "Whoever isn't willing to do so, to our regret, cannot be a partner for dialogue with us. This policy will not change."

"Our security forces have for months conducted numerous operations in the Gaza Strip, in order to reduce to a minimum the Qassam rocket fire, which has plagued the residents of the South, and in order to target those responsible for the Qassam fire," the prime minister added.

"The operations against terrorist groups will continue as it has been for months," he continued. "There is no way to describe what is taking place there other than as a real war between the IDF and terrorist groups."

"This war will continue, while making sure to avoid a humanitarian crisis that could harm civilians who are not at all involved in terrorism," said Olmert. "This policy requires patience and resiliency."

Defense Minister Ehud Barak briefed the cabinet ministers on security developements in Gaza and, contrary to Olmert, hinted at the possibility of a cease-fire with Hamas.

"If they stop firing, we won't be opposed to quiet," the defense minister said. "Hamas' consideration of a hudna [truce] stems from our effective operations and targeted killings."

Barak added that "there is no basis for political negotiations with Hamas if we want a continuation of Annapolis and a state in the foreseeable future. Hamas needs to be brought down, not saved."

Barak also said that, "In Israel's eyes, the Quartet's conditions- recognition of Israel and an end to terror and recognizing previous agreements- are all valid."

Hamas spokesmen and officials have made conflicted statements in recent days on the group's willingess to accept a cease fire. On Sunday, the organization did not rule out a future cease-fire if Israel first stops "all forms of aggression" against the Gaza Strip.

"If the occupation commits itself to stopping all forms of aggression against our people, only then the factions may discuss this issue," Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said. "But until then, there is no discussion among the factions over a calm."

Barak, Mubarak to discuss truce, Shalit in Egypt Wednesday

Defense Minister Ehud Barak is scheduled to meet Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Sharm el-Sheikh on Wednesday to discuss efforts to reach a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas.

On his one-day visit, Barak will also meet with intelligence chief Omar Suleiman and Defense Minister Mohammed Tantawi.

The two sides will also discuss the problem of arms smuggling from Egypt into the Gaza Strip and the negotiations to secure the release of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who is being held in Gaza.

This will be Barak's first visit to Egypt since taking office last June. Several attempts were made over the past few months to arrange such a visit, which was repeatedly delayed. Israeli defense officials said that a time has not been confirmed for the meeting at Sharm el-Sheikh.

Related articles:
  • Haniyeh aide: Hamas willing to discuss temporary truce with Israel
  • ANALYSIS: Is a truce between Israel and Hamas possible?
  • PM: We'll keep targeting Gaza leaders over rockets
    • Bookmark to del.icio.us  
     
    In the line of fire
    Rights Group: Over 50% of Gaza casualties weren't militants.
    Uncle Sam blames you
    U.S. blames Hamas for sparking violence in south Israel, Gaza.
      1.   2 Quassams today 02:23  |  Edifice 23/12/07
      2.   Hamas wants truce but 02:36  |  dovale 23/12/07
      3.   Qassam rocket, second on Saturday 02:51  |  vik 23/12/07
      4.   Barak 04:31  |  Rabbi Yakov Lazaros 23/12/07
      5.   Barak, while he`s at it should discuss 04:40  |  * BEN JABO 23/12/07
      6.   cant stop the qassams but dont th9ink syria can hit dimonna? 04:45  |  hahahahahha :) 23/12/07
      7.   Is Barak being set up? 05:53  |  Mark Lincoln 23/12/07
      8.   NO to Egypt bossing crap 06:26  |  Brod 23/12/07
      9.   Keep the pressure on Hamas 06:26  |  Marwan مروان خوري 23/12/07
      10.   To speed up the Hudna 08:19  |  Ricardo 23/12/07
      11.   # 5 Israel Controls the other side of the border 08:27  |  Adel 23/12/07
      12.   Typical Israeli Thinking - Never Lose Opportunity to Lose Opportu 11:17  |  1 state solution 23/12/07
      13.   The Operations Will Continue 11:19  |  Robert 23/12/07
      14.   Hamas does not want peace with Israel 11:41  |  Joe Sittizen 23/12/07
      15.   pm olmert 11:44  |  george 23/12/07
      16.   A Rejected Offer 11:47  |  Clickfool 23/12/07
      17.   7. Mark Lincoln: Who failed to honor the accords 11:50  |  KUTW 23/12/07
      18.   Addendum to "as said"... 11:50  |  Esther 23/12/07
      19.   12. state solution: Which opportunity? 11:52  |  KUTW 23/12/07
      20.   Olmert talk peace to the world but make war 12:51  |  Dav 23/12/07
      21.   Reason? 12:59  |  Matthew Houston 23/12/07
      22.   zionist depends on war to keep criminals in power 13:20  |  truth 23/12/07
      23.   To Clickfool #16 13:21  |  dovale 23/12/07
      24.   Empty pride 13:26  |  sh 23/12/07
      25.   to dav #20 13:29  |  dovale 23/12/07
      26.   such hypocrisy 13:37  |  Hilda 23/12/07
      27.   To sh #24 13:39  |  dovale 23/12/07
      28.   to our Sault St. Marie, Mich. poster 13:42  |  Hilda 23/12/07
      29.   7 Mark Lincoln,this is not about the 3 stooges,this is about 13:44  |  lakshmi 23/12/07
      30.   to the Click fool 13:51  |  Hilda 23/12/07
      31.   # 25 the same could be said about israeli 13:52  |  Kris 23/12/07
      32.   more for Click the fool #16 14:04  |  Hilda 23/12/07
      33.   The quartett is ridiculous 14:10  |  Fritz Teich 23/12/07
      34.   Bravo Olmert! 14:10  |  Nechama 23/12/07
      35.   Dav-And Whos Fault is That? 14:17  |  Jane 23/12/07
      36.   "efforts to reach a temporary truce"(2nd try) 15:11  |  KUTW 23/12/07
      37.   In the Alice Through the Looking Glass world of Israel 15:17  |  Clickfool 23/12/07
      38.   Little dov 15:30  |  sh 23/12/07
      39.   A non-rejection rejection 15:36  |  Tosefta 23/12/07
      40.   # 32 Hilda. 15:42  |  Stephen 23/12/07
      41.   Iakshmi # 29 Hamas` Offer 15:43  |  Jeff Northridge 23/12/07
      42.   A non-rejection rejection (2nd try) 16:06  |  Tosefta 23/12/07
      43.   Clickfool. "Kaching" 16:18  |  Peter 23/12/07
      44.   To Clickfool #37 16:19  |  dovale 23/12/07
      45.   #37 clickfool looks too far away for alice 16:28  |  victor hardman 23/12/07
      46.   Dav # 20 What Are You Gripping About? 16:36  |  Jeff Northridge 23/12/07
      47.   More blaming the vicitms & game playing from the tyrants inIsrael 16:40  |  Dutch 23/12/07
      48.   Clickfool #37 Is Of Course FAKE 16:41  |  Clickfool 23/12/07
      49.   (In ref. to:#16) Hamas-Party no longer is an intl. accepted rep. 16:45  |  AliciaYasmeen 23/12/07
      50.   sounds good to me...z 16:51  |  dav zee 23/12/07
      51.   Hamas should contnue to barrage Sderot with Qassams 16:53  |  Dutch 23/12/07
      52.   `hand held out in peace` indeed. why no recognition? 16:59  |  frenz 23/12/07
      53.   #7 Mark Lincoln. 17:05  |  Stephen. 23/12/07
      54.   Dutch ..playing with other people`s lives 17:10  |  Lynn 23/12/07
      55.   to (sh(tinker) #38 17:11  |  dovale 23/12/07
      56.   Hamas is weakened & needs to re-arm 17:16  |  Barney Panofsky 23/12/07
      57.   On Clickfool And Alice 17:22  |  Natan 23/12/07
      58.   #51 Dutch the Dunce 17:29  |  Murray of Montreal 23/12/07
      59.   Ignore the fools 17:31  |  Barney Panofsky 23/12/07
      60.   NEWS: HAMAS BOMBS ISRAEL.OLMERT STOPS BOMBING TERRORISTS & 17:43  |  Alon chiloni 23/12/07
      61.   Dutch 17:50  |  Stash 23/12/07
      62.   Two Faced ISRAEL 18:11  |  DoubleClick 23/12/07
      63.   Annihilate anyone associated with hamas, WWII style 18:14  |  Johnny 23/12/07
      64.   60. alone chillin` 18:17  |  thanks 23/12/07
      65.   Dutch 18:19  |  H 23/12/07
      66.   Murray, Olmert couldn`t be more wrong... 18:35  |  Dutch 23/12/07
      67.   pm olmert 18:35  |  george 23/12/07
      68.   Clicky...when will you realize Carter is the least 18:44  |  Lynn 23/12/07
      69.   Clicky and as to the reference of Hamas 18:48  |  Lynn 23/12/07
      70.   Mr. Olmert (3rd try) 18:52  |  KUTW 23/12/07
      71.   the qassam fire(3rd try) 18:52  |  KUTW 23/12/07
      72.   Hamas preparing for eternal conflict 18:54  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 23/12/07
      73.   47. Dutch: More blaming the vicitims 18:58  |  KUTW 23/12/07
      74.   Arguing with Jeff, AGAIN (Jeff Northridge #46; re Dav),I 19:01  |  Tosefta 23/12/07
      75.   Arguing with Jeff, AGAIN (Jeff Northridge #46; re Dav),II 19:02  |  Tosefta 23/12/07
      76.   my friend George 19:02  |  Larry54 23/12/07
      77.   Lynn, Re my call for a barrage on Sderot 19:03  |  Dutch 23/12/07
      78.   For the author of #48, who`s now cutting & pasting my stuff 19:06  |  Clickfool 23/12/07
      79.   For Lynn # 68 & #69 19:14  |  Clickfool 23/12/07
      80.   #51 dutch dunce 19:22  |  Adrian de Klerk 23/12/07
      81.   clickfool 19:23  |  yossi 23/12/07
      82.   HUDNA=TIME TO REARM (Surat al Bakara 9:5) 19:23  |  Bombay Billay 23/12/07
      83.   #11 Adel - Egypt controls the other side 19:24  |  * BEN JABO 23/12/07
      84.   #70 fake peace activist Margie in TA ex SA 19:26  |  Labhras 23/12/07
      85.   #12 no state solution 19:26  |  * BEN JABO 23/12/07
      86.   Pity the little bear 19:34  |  sh 23/12/07
      87.   Dumb and Dumber 19:43  |  Larry 23/12/07
      88.   Dumb and Dumber 2 19:46  |  Larry 23/12/07
      89.   clickfool is such a Moron 19:55  |  hebro 23/12/07
      90.   86. sh: Pity the little bear 19:55  |  KUTW 23/12/07
      91.   24. sh: Empty pride 20:02  |  KUTW 23/12/07
      92.   #77 dutch, do you believe in Santa 20:03  |  Adrian de Klerk 23/12/07
      93.   Is Anyone Surprised? 20:04  |  chet 23/12/07
      94.   #59 Barney Panofsky, Re important changes in the region 20:11  |  Dutch 23/12/07
      95.   33. Fritz Teich: The quartett is ridiculous 20:12  |  KUTW 23/12/07
      96.   86 sh: Virgins for Terror 20:18  |  Eylo 23/12/07
      97.   # 29 lakshmi...from the article in the UAE paper 20:20  |  Lynn 23/12/07
      98.   93. chet: Is Anyone Surprised? 20:21  |  Eylo 23/12/07
      99.   Clicky ....too much of that happening lately. 20:23  |  Lynn 23/12/07
      100.   90. Hamas has always offered hudna 20:27  |  truth 23/12/07
      101.   Tosefta # 75 The Misconception Is Dugard`s 20:27  |  Jeff Northridge 23/12/07
      102.   Let`s see here... 20:29  |  Colin Wright 23/12/07
      103.   Kim, The Palestinians as victims 20:31  |  Dutch 23/12/07
      104.   hamas 20:37  |  busybody 23/12/07
      105.   Adrian, Re difference in outcomes 20:42  |  Dutch 23/12/07
      106.   larry54 #76 20:46  |  george 23/12/07
      107.   dutch to kim-not quite 21:01  |  alan 23/12/07
      108.   Qassam rocket strikes Sderot 21:05  |  KUTW 23/12/07
      109.   Tosefta # 75 The Misconception Is Dugard`s (part 2) 21:05  |  Jeff Northridge 23/12/07
      110.   What to call one who doesn`t understand what he reads? (Jeff#101) 21:06  |  Tosefta 23/12/07
      111.   # 77 Dutch...whether evil intent or not, 21:06  |  Lynn 23/12/07
      112.   Reading comprehension test (Jeff Northridge #101) 21:08  |  Tosefta 23/12/07
      113.   103. Dutch 21:12  |  KUTW 23/12/07
      114.   # 80 Adrian de Klerk...Hamas cease fire 21:13  |  Lynn 23/12/07
      115.   Dutch ..playing with other people`s lives 21:21  |  Lynn 23/12/07
      116.   # 100 truth...a hudna is not good enough anymore 21:24  |  Lynn 23/12/07
      117.   Tosefta # 75 The Misconception Is Dugard`s (part 3) 21:26  |  Jeff Northridge 23/12/07
      118.   Wise answer 21:39  |  Mawloud Ould Daddah 23/12/07
      119.   Yes Adrian I believe in Christmas & Santa & Israel is killing it 21:54  |  Dutch 23/12/07
      120.   Is Olmert growing a backbone? 22:00  |  Chick 23/12/07
      121.   118. daddah 22:19  |  say again 23/12/07
      122.   Hey Dutchie! 22:24  |  Shimon 23/12/07
      123.   #119 doris cadigan and xmas and the holy mother 22:27  |  victor hardman 23/12/07
      124.   119Dutch 22:31  |  KUTW 23/12/07
      125.   olmerts rejectoin is now enough 22:43  |  vik 23/12/07
      126.   #119 Do you have memory loss 22:43  |  Adrian de Klerk 23/12/07
      127.   Tosefta # 110 You`re Wrong! (part 1) 23:01  |  Jeff Northridge 23/12/07
      128.   #119 Dutchie-dear: heartwarming to learn that you believe in me! 23:18  |  Santa 23/12/07
      129.   Adrian de Klerk re #119 Do you have memory loss 23:25  |  KUTW 23/12/07
      130.   #110 Call for help for Jeff Northridge 23:25  |  Labhras 23/12/07
      131.   Tosefta # 110 You`re Wrong! (part 2) 23:29  |  Jeff Northridge 23/12/07
      132.   #119 Dutch 00:02  |  leo 24/12/07
      133.   Tosefta # 110 You`re Wrong! (part 3) 00:04  |  Jeff Northridge 24/12/07
      134.   Shmon, my Response 00:21  |  Dutch 24/12/07
      135.   #127 Leo, you are quite rihgt I missed details 00:29  |  Adrian de Klerk 24/12/07
      136.   Why recognize Hamas 16:12  |  Zalman Beryl 24/12/07
      137.   On recognizing Hamas 16:17  |  Zalman Beryl 24/12/07
      138.   Hamas Must surrender Guns for peace 05:36  |  Yuri 04/03/08
      139.   if someone puts out a hand 06:49  |  thinker 04/03/08
     Today Online
    IDF pulls troops out of Gaza, Hamas declares 'victory'
    Responses: 279
    PM: Peace talks to go on, as will attacks on Hamas
    Responses: 161
    Issacharoff and Harel: Hamas wants lull, but only on its own terms
    Responses: 49
    'We thought you wanted peace,' says father of slain Gaza sisters
    Responses: 152
    U.K. Jewish pupils boycott Shakespeare test over Bard's anti-Semitism
    Responses: 82
    Rosner's Domain
    What to Read: What was Samantha Power thinking?
    Rosner: Obama, Clinton aides court hawkish Jews in Ohio
    Hillary Clinton comes out swinging as Ohio primary nears
    Obama`s top adviser says doesn't believe in imposing a peace settlement
    Politics with an elliptical soccer ball


    More Headlines
    03:02 Israel: Latest sanctions against Iran not enough
    04:15 Olmert: All military options for Gaza are on the table
    06:16 Rice urges Israel, PA to resume talks, reach deal in 2008
    00:00 Haaretz journalist Ehud Asheri dies of cancer at 57
    04:38 Russian Jews flock to Israel tours, spurn making aliya
    04:56 Barak seeks legal okay to move Gazan civilians from homes
    01:29 Prof.: Psychotropic plants made Moses hear 'voices' at Mt Sinai
    01:52 Berlin to start sealing cracks in Holocaust memorial slabs
    22:31 White House blames Hamas for sparking violence in south Israel
    00:47 Obama says United States should not meet with Hamas
    21:13 Palestinian killed in IAF strike on rocket squad in northern Gaza
    Previous Editions
    Special Offers
    Advertisement
    Free the Palestinians from:
    Corrupt Kleptocracy, Tyrannical Theocracy, Abysmal Anarchy
    Long-term Israel programs
    MASA is your gateway. More programs. More grants.
    NEW! Dan Boutique Jerusalem Hotel
    Hip Dan Hotel in Jerusalem. Attractive Introductory Rates
    7589 rockets fired so far
    HELP US TO HELP THEM
    Marina Royale Herzelia Pituach
    Your Luxurious Suite While Staying in Israel
    Fattal Hotel Chain
    Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel.
    ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel
    Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th
    Eldan Rent a Car
    Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations
    Junkyard
    Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt
    Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |
    Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.
    © Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved