EU gives $78M to Palestinians, but warns Hamas to commit to peace

There was no US airlift to Israel in 1967. Israel went it alone. There was an airlift in 1973.

Israelis brainwashed by revisionist Israeli schools and books.Really sad you folks are so dumbed down! Now you have to have U.S. military fight your battles again,1967,Lebanon,Iraq and Iran, your to 'weak' or to lazy to protect and defend your own people without U.S. military And UN U.S. vetos to protect you..Ha, ha, not funny, sad with all U.S. most advanced weapons-conventional and WMD, given to you "FREE" by U.S.taxpayers who are forced to do so via taxes by U.S.Gov't.. You repay them with a 'lie'shame on you and those who lie like you.

Stephan, you are a canadian, and I though you would be smarter, Israel recieves over 2.5 US tax dollars, is this what you mean about welfare? This doesn't compare to what you call the "the Pals" recieve. Israela s an occupier, has limited the Palestinian potential, this is what someone who controls you and holds you against your will,this is how they dominate and humiliate you.

That's all you are good at doing, insulting and humiliating people!! Anyway, I assure you we wouldn't need a single dime from anyone, if we were not occupied . I recommend you read about how Israeli occupation policies frayed Palestinian productive capacities, restricted their trading, stole their land and water thus making it difficult for Palestinians to produce and prosper. On another note, international aid is not given to Palestinians for love of charity, it is aimed at alleviating the burden of the Israeli occupier, who under international humanitarian law should bear the humanitarian responsibility towards the occupied. 1bn off Israel's back, that's what it boils down to.

The Pals on the "dole"..welfare..from the world..the only way they're going to create a "stable ,thriving economy" is to to it themselves..the more money given to them decreases their motivation to do it on their own. AND they're not starving!!

suha should be great madame of all bordello called PA.

I wonder what you're alternative is? Should Europe stop the financial support for the Palestinians and just starve the to death? The easiest way to fight terorrism is to stop economic poverty!!!Give the palestinians a stable, thriving economy that creates jobs, that will prevent terorrism by giving the youth a perspective in life instead of humiliating them and putting them in cages. I support Israel in every way but for Israel sake we should fight terorrism at the root and economic poverty is in my oppinion one of the key factors.

I actually don't blame you for not wanting to recognise a state/government that has been so brutal to your people and continues to steal your territory. But ... do you accept a two-state solution? I think THAT'S what the internationals want to know.

EU gives the terror group Hamas, who now represents the "Palestinians" $78 million to ratchet up the terrorism. Thanx EU! Ohhhhh Im sure Hamas is scared of the "warning" they got. They took the money and RAN.Straw doesnt want to punish the Pals for thier votes .... well what did the Pals think the outcome of voting terror into office would be? better garbage pickup? 50 years ago the "EU countries" helped thier own jews out, the same way ....

She has all the money anyway.

The ?Pals? have chosen Hamas knowing it is a terrorist organization and because of this. How would they tell their government to stop terrorism? And, after the European reward, they have learned terrorism pays off. [cáspita]

Just kill all the Hamas Ministers that are sent to parliament for approval. Political or militant, we realize there is no difference, they both have blood on their hands. Israel should not change it's policies regarding hamas as a terrorist group until the group recognizes israel as well as agreed upon accords with the plo. ISRAEL IS STILL AT WAR!

Mofaz, Israel has turn the Hamas and the others into this terror entity. You force them to resist you occupation,in case you are not smart enough to figure it out,occupation breeds hatred,crime and terror.You set Abbass up to fail,along with your US backers.So why would there be a surprise to you that Hamas won.The Palestinians people sent you and the world a message, they had a democratic vote,and decided Hamas, was their choice. Remember you are the occupier,and since you will not leave until you gobble up more Palestine land, the people have a right to resist you by all means, by all means. I waiting for the day, when the UN can wake up and demand that you leave, and make you leave with force.

It is beging to look as if Israel isn't going to survive another 10 years. It has become its own worse enemy.

They give the terrorists money while telling them to behave. This is not serious. First, they should behave and then we will talk. I would like to know what the EU will do if the terrorists in office ignore the warning. Will they be punished without watching TV? They are also concerned about the ?Pals? and so give them money, so the ?Pals? realized they made the right choice. [moño]

I wonder what would happen if the US, Europe and the Arab Nations all cut their financial, military and humanitarian Support to Israel and the Palestinians until both sides stop killing each other. Both peoples have a right to exist, to live and work for a better life for their children....

....(shell out - shell out)....You better recognize Israel (shell out - shell out)....We mean it!!!....(shell out - shell out) ....We're not bluffing !!! (shell out - shell out shell out - shell out shell out - shell out shell out - shell out shell out - shell out shell out - shell out shell out - shell out............................................................................................

So how is saying "Mofaz is part of the problem not solution" addressing an issue and not an ad hominem attack....

I don't understand either..does anyone?

It is so mch better that the EU-UN aid goes to the top PA leaders, who will at least "deposit" it, in their Swiss Bank "retirement accounts" Than to give it to Hamas, "HamaNitrian organizations" Red Cross etc, where the money will be used to feed terrorists, and their family's, (so that the terrorists won't have to worry about working to feed their familys, and can spend full time on murder, and acquiring 72 virgins! The more the PA officials steal, the better!

I don't understand! The Jews came to Isreal, Gaza and the West Bank 4000 years ago. The only people there were nomads--mostly Hitites from Iran. The Romans came and occupied the area. After that the Ottomans(Turks) came and occupied, then came the British then Jordanians--all occupiers of greater Israel. I don't understand how the "palestineans" claim it as theirs. Also, The Jews were there 3000 years before the Muslim faith ever existed. Muslims even name themselves with Jewish names i.e. Moses(Musa) Abraham and Ishmael.

Borders: 'set with Armistice of 1949. Hence the illegality of Israeli settlements beyond the "green line." Agreements: Shall Hamas follow the Israeli example and agree to tasks that are never fully completed? This happens regardless of terror levels. Cabinet: Economics Professor = finance minister, hardliner FM = mostly a mouthpiece for other members of what might be termed a "security cabinet." Worries: "struggle in all its forms." Forms to be deleted are anything inhuman or that might reasonably incur an Israeli military response.

You may also be interest to read the next page in the Britannica: http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-219429 Read, and read well.

It is you who are ignorant of the fact. Israel received no US or any other aid in the 1967 war, however much this must rile you. See : http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-219428 (neutral enough for you?) "In reaction, Eshkol mobilized the IDF and sent his foreign minister, Abba Eban, on a futile trip to seek French, British, and American aid."

How can Hamas "dedicate itself to peace" and "renounce violence" when they are dealing with an Israeli nation that has no desire for peace and is addicted to violence? The contradictions are appalling...I am afraid the EU is squandering the little influence it had. Soon, the PA will dissolve and the Israelis will be obliged to come back to Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, ElKhalil, along with their IDF uniformed "civil administraters"... We are assymptotically approaching the one state solution... How ironic...the Palestinians agree to TWO STATES but the Israelis suck us back into ONE STATE.

Hey Mike, why does the UN continue to pass resolutions regarding land and deportation if it does not occur. Here is a sample... Resolution 228: " . . . 'censures' Israel for its attack on Samu in the West Bank, then under Jordanian control". Resolution 237: " . . . 'urges' Israel to allow return of new 1967 Palestinian refugees". * Resolution 298: " . . . 'deplores' Israel's changing of the status of Jerusalem". * Resolution 605: " . . . 'strongly deplores' Israel's policies and practices denying the human rights of Palestinians. * Resolution 607: " . . . 'calls' on Israel not to deport Palestinians and strongly requests it to abide by the Fourth Geneva Convention. * Resolution 608: " . . . 'deeply regrets' that Israel has defied the United Nations and deported Palestinian civilians". * Resolution 636: " . . . 'deeply regrets' Israeli deportation of Palestinian civilians. * Resolution 641: " . . . 'deplores' Israel's continuing deportation of Palestinians.

First of all, in 1967 without an american trained air force, american supplied planes and american intelligence you would have never succeeded. It was american satellite technology that allowed the Israeli military to launch its initial offensive against Egypt enabling it to destroy the Egyptian air force while still on the ground. Secondly, facts I know!!! But don't believe me about stealing land and water, please refer to UN security council resolutions demanding Israel return land it confiscated during the 67 war. Please review resolutions 106,111,127,162,171,228,237,248,250,251,252,256,259,262,265,270,271,279,280,285,298,313,316,317,332,227,347,425,427,444,446 whew... on to 799. I did not list them all, but the whole world is wrong and you are right. My fault.

the palestinians have been brought up with the culture of hate. It is very difficult to break that cycle. Even today, in 2006---they teach their kids how evil the jews/west are. http://www.pmw.org.il Oh well----another generation lost ! How sad for all of us !

Can you please explain what you mean by "stop expanding its borders?" Since the war in 1967, when Israel beat the Jordanian, Egyptian and Syrian armies in 6 days and conquered the Golan Heights, West Bank, Sinai and Gaza, Israel's borders have in fact undergone two major changes, each decreasing the land under its control. After signing peace with Egypt issrael returned the entire Sinai peninsula to the Egyptians and has recently withdrawn from Gaza. (which was captured from the Egyptians but which they voluntarily decided to forego - smart people!) So what borders are actually being expanded. You sound as if every so often Israel decides it wants another bit of land and goes out to capture it. Your are either very naive (aka ignorant believer in information you never bothered to check out yourself) or purposely misleading. Neither scenario does you any credit.

its the pales. that the world is fed up with. I guess you dont read mainstream papers. Try them ! You should start packing your bags.....you are living on Indian land

You have no idea what you are talking about. Right now the Israeli government is talking about removing itself from areas on the West Bank. Does this sound like expansion?

So, what you are saying, is that the recognition of Israel as a sovereign state, whatever the borders, was actually just a convenient lie to get consessions from Israel and that since it didn't work the way hyou had hoped, it is okay for Hamas to end the charade? I guess that you also are willing to return to a formal state of war, since that is what was also ended. What difference does it make to the Palestinians as to what the boder between Syria and Israel is, or who owns the Sheba Farms area? Your concern is with the areas of the West Bank and Gaza, which has no international borders, except with Egypt and Jordan. The ceasefire line of 1948 is not an International border (there weren't even 2 formal entities along it until Oslo), so how is it not disputed?

Wake up Israel.Unless you change your racist supremicist attitudes completely you will reap what you sow.No one will shed a tear.You think you are a western nation but you behave like a 3rd world dictatorship.The world is fed up.Go to hell.

Obstructing Hamas at any cost, using all "lawful" unlawful means is high on the Israeli agenda. Tightening/closing of the check points, blocking funds (even humanitarian ones under pretexts), political manipulations, intimidation of the elected, flexing military muscle in Gaza and the WB... all are cards the entreprise will be using to make sure a Hamas mandate will fail...preferably before the end of the manadate. The big question is: will Hamas bow and "surrender", or will it be defiant to the point of colective resignation rather than giving in? And if it does bow, will it bow 10 degrees? 20? 30? 90? or even 150? Or will it be that Hamas will be the one that will manage to extract some important concessions from the occupier? What are its cards? Will it get the promised support from Arab/Muslim countries? will it get enough support from Russsia, China and some Europeans? Can it survive and thrive? or will it shake and break? Interesting times lie ahead.

Until Israel decides to stop expanding it's borders, no country should recognize it. Where is Israel's borders going to stop. Half of Palestine? Half of Syria? Half of Jordan? Half of Egypt? No country will recognize another country that fails to determine its borders. Israel probably wants half of New York too, oh thats right, they already have it, including Hillary in the back pocket.

"She said the organization, which the EU considers a terrorist group because it is sworn to destroy Israel, "will have to decide which road to take" for the sake of the well-being of the 4 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank." Yes for the sake of the 4m poor, innocent Palestinians who have been misled into abject poverty and lack of respect by some blood thirsty demons eager to lick the very blood of the same innocents they claim to protect. The terror organizations whoever they are should think twice about the actions they do in the name of God without shame or fear and cease. I get angry when people who should have lived die for no reason at all whoever they are wherever they are. I believe there are other better ways of putting pressure to effect change but life.... Will this money be well spent? it better.

You write: "Let Israel first define its border and then let's talk". Israel tried to define its border with the Palestinians by mutual agreement. This is how the PA was formed. The PA, however, violated all agreements and understandings. Now, many Israelis came to the conclusion, that Israel indeed should define its border as if there are no Palestinians at all. This is unfortunate way, because it will not bring peace, but it may bring some stability. It is obvious now, that one cannot rely on the Palestinian word -- it worths a blow of wind. So, let's indeed Israel define its border in a way it believes good for Israel and later, when the Palestinians become alittle more trustworthy, alittle more peace loving and alittle more liberal -- then, we'll see what can we talk about. And remember: the viability of the future Palestinian state depends much more on its good relations with its neighbours, than on large territory. There's no large territory anyway.

cont. Having achieved a respectable position in the international community, they will be able to face Israel from a position of strength and surrounded with supporters. As long as they continue the terror, they are seen as the enemy along with Iran, Al Qaida, Zarqawi, etc. Israel too has agendas with each of the parties ranging from the Peace Now to the outlawed Kach(outlawed but Israel has rightwing terrorist too.) In World War II the nazis tried to annihilate the Jews. Hamas wants the total destruction of Israel. This causes a knee jerk reaction and justifies all actions of self preservation. The ONLY way to deal with Israel is through peace. Anything else is doomed to fail.

Thank you. Israel would want them to prosper because then the people would be happy. They would be able to create their own country, be proud of it. You are right. Jordan got rid of them, Egypt won't take them and neither will any other Arab country. We wonder??? Why is that? You said is beautifully!

Everybody knows, Israel, Hamas, EU itself: they will go soft on their principles and they will sponsor terror against Israel.

First of all I second Harold's remark commending independent thinking. The more pragmatic and analytical the better. Until now the motivation has been the destruction of Israel. It is time to think more in terms of what is best for Palestinians. Continuing the posture of war and terror will continue to keep them poor, standing at roadblocks, starving, and suffering. Focusing on positives of building the economy, health, nationbuilding and achieving full control of their territories will save them. It will bring much needed financial, humanitarian, and business building aid and allow PA to flourish. Without terrorist threats and actions, Israel will not have an excuse/reason to constantly send troops to arrest/kill terrorists, "liberate" prisons, and destroy houses. PA needs to begin recognizing Israel, devise an economic and governmental plan to "get their house in order", revitalize the PA and make them a respectable member of the international community.

Dutch said: "Shaul Mofaz has no right to dictate his will or Israel`s on the Palestinian leadership. He should have the decency to accept and respect the official government of Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh and work with the process not prejudge it." What prejudging? Work with WHAT PROCESS? There WILL be no process. Hamas has repeatidly made it clear: no negotiations with Israel, certainly no recognition, no renunciation of violence and to underline this stance Hamas' leadership has submitted a list to Abbas of radicals to make up their cabinet! When you say Israel should RESPECT the new government, are you saying just because they were elected they automatically deserve "respect"? George W. Bush was elected, how many people respect HIM?? As for "prejudging", when an entity clearly repeats is goal of destroying you, you size up your enemy accordingly. Dutch, where the hell does "prejudging" enter into the equation?

The limitation of Palestinian movement and checkpoints only refer to the past 5 years. Where were they before that. With all the aid received from UNRWA for almost 60 years you would think that at least there would no longer be Palestinians languishing in refugee camps. They had every opportunity after Oslo, with the pouring in of billions in aid from amny well-wishers around the world, to start doing something constructive - like building infrastructure, hospitals, building the economy and job opportunities. Those were the days when myriads were still working in Israel and tere was no Palestinian unemployment. Unfortunately their leaders had other plans for all the funds, including building holiday mansions for themseves on Gaza's beaches, arming themselves to the hilt in preparation for the next intifada and financing the spate of horrific suicide bombings in the post Oslo 1090s. Place responsibility where it lies instead of making excuses for people who keep making the wrong decisio

If "hardliner" Mahmoud Zahar is to be foreign minister, what optimism can there be for a moderation of Hamas stance on recognition or acceptance of past Treaties.Little or none.The main international face of Hamas is to be its ugliest.

The article says: "...Mofaz said... Abbas was facing his moment of truth in authorizing the makeup of the Hamas government, which would turn the PA into a terror entity". I don't know why Mofaz is on Abbas' back - his hands are tied - the PA IS a terror entity because of the election. The Palestinian people have spoken - they voted for suicide bombings and no peace or recognition of Israel. But the paradox of this whole thing is that it is to Israel's advantage! Olmert wants to draw Israel's borders unilaterally - well, here is the perfect opportunity! We all know Olmert wouldn't be able to negotiate the borders with the other side and get what he wants, so now that Hamas says they won't talk to Israel Olmert has a free hand!! Hamas has really painted themelves in a corner. If they complain about Israel's unilateral actions the world can say to them, "what are you complaining about? You refuse to negotiate so Israel has no CHOICE but to act alone!!"

Yes, there were a small number of atrocities committed by the Jewish militias before 1948, and those were wrong. Howeverput things in context. The British Military Government was found guilty by British Parliament in aiding Arab massacres of Jews. The Jewish forces were created as defensive measures against that. The primary targets of the groups were the British military infrastructure. It's goal was getting the British out of the region, not in destroying Britain. The groups also didn't fight to free the 80% of British Palestine already ethnically cleansed of Jews, Jordan, but just to have a State on the remaining land. Then then agreed on less than half of the remaining land. On the other hand, the Palestinian organizations, the PNA, Fatah, Hamas and all the others, have covenants and constitutions calling for the destruction of Israel, a sovereign nation. They primarily attack civilian targets while attempting that aim. The goals and targets are very different in the two cases.

How can they produce anything when they are under 50 years of occupation and they have to go through at least 10 check point to get their school and they would be very lucky to come back alive. May God put you under the same kind of circumstances and see how much you are going to produce.

I prefer not to use zionist tactics, like not addressing the issues and going for ad hominem attacks.

Let's remember that the Irgun, the Haganah, Lehi, etc. etc. were all terrorist organisations in the true sense of the word, they massacred scores of civilian villagers. They later amalgated to form what is now called the israel defence force (IDF). It's time for the Palestinian militant groups to combine together to form a Palestinian army in preparation to statehood.

egypt does get USA aid of 2bln for 70 mln population, you pals are getting 1bln+ for 3mln population. you cannot produce anything positive, you are parasites.

Try www.aljazeera.com They have an English edition and have numerous stories on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. After each article, people respond. But beware, a lot of nutcases respond to these articles, but if you're reading this, you're probably already used to it...

"We are leaving the door open for positive change but we have to make clear we cannot go soft on our principles." What principles - oil or money?

i read most of the responses. i guess that both sides are angry and dont wont peace, and the other thing i noticed from some is they dont want hamas in the govt. for some reason or another, hamas people r educated, they r for the people not like th pa. did not care and they lost. lets give the new govt. a chance. maybe we can overcome this problem for both sides. at least let them live a peacfull life. both side made mistakes, so lets hope to have a peacfull israeli new govt.

I think Saeb Erekat is start to get worried about his big fat salary. I think its time for him ti stop hurting the Palestinian cause, may be he can step down and let Hamas hire 10 people for the same big fat salary he is collecting while his own people are starving in Gaza. He has been negotiating for the last 16 years with nothing to present to his people, may be some one else can do better.

I think Saeb Erekat is start to get worried about his big fat salary. I think its time for him ti stop hurting the Palestinian cause, may be he can step down and let Hamas hire 10 people for the same big fat salary he is collecting while his own people are starving in Gaza. He has been negotiating for the last 16 years with nothing to present to his people, may be some one else can do better.

"Saeb Erekat was quoted by Israel Radio on Monday as saying ...if the PA faces financial crisis as a result of a freeze on international aid, Abbas would be able to fire Haniyeh." So nice to know that Erekat thinks that international aid is the "qualifier" and source of legitimacy for his national government. We did not hear Erekat say similar things when the PA did not pay salaries for 3 months earlier during the Intifada. It seems that the windfall for Erekat and co. is heavy to take. Classic Riches to Rags, but deserved because Palestinians voted their defeatist, begger approach out of office.

Mr. Khalid doesn't/can't realize the hinder for peace are the Arabs. Trying to build peace alone, meaning the builder is Israel, is imposssible while militant Arabs want to destroy Israel. This means your self made misery continues and you deserve it. Change your attitude and accept Israel. About borders: Golan is a problem for Syria as they have a couple of times tried destruction of Israel with the result being defeated = self created problem. The same concerns Gaza, Samaria-Judea (so called "West Bank). Read carefully UN 242 and you'll see: Israel has the right for acceptance and paeceful, safe borders. This is prerequisite. Then, negotiation about borders, and definitely Israel has to return to the Arabs some of the disputed area, but - again definitely - not all.

When John feels he's on the defensive, he resorts to name-calling.

"Fatah-linked gunmen block road to Erez crossing, exchange fire with PA police" So do you think people like these will be able to run a statew?

Heard of Northern Ireland ?

Mofaz is part of the problem, not of the solution.

that the be-kefiyed figure appearing in the photo was Yasir Arafat. Hope he ends up the same.

"Please do not insult any egyptians with that talk, you are obviously a zionist in disguise. I am not sure of haaretz`s intentions of publishing your post." Whenever Palestinians are faced with a situation they cannot solve or understand, or with a critical opinion from someone that they feel should have been on their side, they result to conspiracy theories.

between the Palestinians on this list (Khalid, truth) and the non-Palestinian Arabs (nehad ismail, Yasouf al Ahmadi). The Palestinians are driven by blind hatred and bitterness, unable to see a way out of the dark tunnel they have put themselves in. The other Arabs take more reasonable, though not identical, positions. I'm afraid that Abba Eban's aphorism, "The Palestinians have never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity", is going to hold true for a long time to come. Let's build the fence higher and get the messianic, fundamentalist settlers out of the West Bank - or leave them there, less votes for the right-wing parties.

There will be no peace between Israel and the Palestinians for 200 more years. Israel must draw her borders alone. Because Palestinians seek to destroy Israel while Israel does not seek to destroy the Palestinians it is the Palestinians who will be obliterated in the great war. The tribe of Amalek who aims to intentionally kill women and children will be damned. That tribe will burn in Hell while dissenter Palestinians can be saved. Mark my words this will come to pass. The Jewish people and their Homeland cannot be destroyed. Many have tried and all will fail.

Shaul Mofaz has no right to dictate his will or Israel's on the Palestinian leadership. He should have the decency to accept and respect the official government of Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh and work with the process not prejudge it. After all, the problem is not really Hamas but the dictators in Israel and US trying to impose their will on Hamas. Of course, the great double standard here is that he wouldn't accept this from anyone himself. But I think most people will resent his meddling - it's totally undemocratic. So hands off Mofaz--let Hamas decide for itself . Dutch

Whatever the Zinonists,Zionist Slaves (American Leaders not People)try to deceive the world and the two peoples. Hamas is the True and the Clean Leader for the PA. Acadimic persons, 100% Credibility, 100 % Clean pockets,100% Humple and close to the Palestinian citizen, their minds and dreams and hopes with the whole palestinian people.

"Besides, what are the borders of "Israel" that you say Hamas ought to recognize? Is it Israel with Golan Heights, Israel with teh Sha`ba Farms, Israel with Parts of Jordan as some Israeli parties insist, or Israel with East Jerusalem?" We muslims always say, isreal is not legitimate. Dissmantle the entity and let us return to to Haifa and Acco.

"Besides, what are the borders of "Israel" that you say Hamas ought to recognize? Is it Israel with Golan Heights, Israel with teh Sha`ba Farms, Israel with Parts of Jordan as some Israeli parties insist, or Israel with East Jerusalem?" We muslims always say, isreal is not legitimate. Dissmantle the entity and let us return to to Haifa and Acco.

"Besides, what are the borders of "Israel" that you say Hamas ought to recognize? Is it Israel with Golan Heights, Israel with teh Sha`ba Farms, Israel with Parts of Jordan as some Israeli parties insist, or Israel with East Jerusalem?" We muslims always say, isreal is not legitimate. Dissmantle the entity and let us return to to Haifa and Acco.

I agree that Hamas can not rely Iran nor Saudi Arabia. But how can Hamas or anyone else recognize a Country without boarders. The way the Israeli's are trying to negotiate a settlement with Palestinians over the illegally occupied territories is like two people trying to split a pizza in half, while one of them (Israel) is eating at it and taking their sweet old time negotiating. I am not a supporter of Hamas and I think the PA isn't worth diddilly. However I disagree with you about the Jericho Jail incident. I think the Israelis did it in order to prevoke a response by the Pals so that they may come down hard on the Pals. This has always been a way to win votes in Israel. (the country with no set Boarders)

When you live on the doorstep of a Hi Tech country that has a superb military, exports sophisticated medical and telecommunications equipment, pharmaceuticals ,and even provides food for you losers, how do you not recognise them? By getting blind? Pretending not to eat their handouts? Pretending not to enjoy the comforts of their electricity and water? With people like Khalid and Gaza Boy, Paestinians are no hopers. Your fantasies are just amazing.

The only why for the isreales to survive in the middleast is to have peace with the palastinians and the arabs in general.But in reality the isreal goverment goes on killing, jailing and destroying everything palastinian. they force every palastinian generation to hate them more.

Why can't the Muslims live and love together like the Jews ? It does not have to be one or another, Hamas or PLO. Working for a democratic society needs all Palestinians and not one group or another.

Happy days are here again! The minute Abbas endorses this so-called cabinet, he will be placing his stamp of approval on the Hamas terror system. Since the PA never could bring them under control, it will be party, party, party for the homocide bombers and the new wave-to-come of rocket and missile attacks. To be sure, this is not a government. There may have been an election, but the result has been a task force of thugs who plan to murder Jews and destroy the nation of Israel. It is nice to know that the new cabinet ministers will have "a lot of flexibility." Will they be so flexible as to recognize the Israel they are committed to annihilate? Happy Days....

To be realistic, yes , there is a very good solution. let me explain. it makes sense. 1.- Jordan population are Palestinians. 2.- Jordan is a country recognize internationally. 3.- Makes sense all Palestianans in the so called west bank to go to Jordan and just live in the country that REALLY IS THEIR COUNTRY. Israel should set the borders up to were Jordan is, this way there will be recognize borders. 4.- Jerusalem. should be controlled by Israel , BUT, ALL ISLAMIC sites muust to be controlled by not just Palestinians, but by Islamic authorities from the Islamic world, this way all Moslems will have authority over their religious sites. Also this idea goes for Christian sites. Pals. must to be realistic, Hamas or whoever is can not dictate policy to Israel.They just talk and scream but the hard facts are quite the oposite. Israel will never accept Israel is to strong to be intimidated, and if things get out of limits. simply IDF will invade back and Hamas will cease to exist

While Hamas plays at forming a dream world government the more savvy Palestinian players wait like vultures for the carcass that the Hamas government is going to become. How come no one has heard from Dahlan? Take a guess.

Please do not insult any egyptians with that talk, you are obviously a zionist in disguise. I am not sure of haaretz's intentions of publishing your post.

First. What borders?. Palestine has never existed, so, what borders?.Pals need to show International Comunity where were the "original borders" they had as a country. then you can mark exactly the new border. Jordan was in charge of the always called territories and there was only a cease fire line but never a border. Israel has the right to establish the borders, since Palestine never existed before as a country. Also why should Israel recognize Hamas and Pals?. What does Israel has in return. NOTHING. israel left Gaza and what gor in return? NOTHING. Pals and specially Hamas does not have anything of value to exchange with Israel, just words and calls for blood. There has to be a reason why even Egypt did not want to take back Gaza after the 1967 war. They can not stand Palestinians. iF YOU DO NOT BELIEVE IT, WELL READ THE HISTORY OF GAZA.

remember, hamas won because they ran on the platform that they would better the lives of palestinians. PEACE is how hamas can better their lives. all thier rhtoric and talk of violence will take your people NOWHERE! israel is not affraid of your threats. trust me, they've been dealing with palestinian/arab garbage for long enough. it hasnt worked yet, maybe its time for a new approach. PEACE,PEACE,PEACE. you can still redeem yoursleves as human beings and change the worlds opinion of being barbaric animals who parade and shoot bullets into the air at the sight of death! dont forget those bullets gotta come down sometime.

couldnt disagree with you more. Israel will totaly disengage shortly. Either the arab nations with their $$$$$$$ will pay the palestinians, or the u.n. will contine or they will starve to death. It doesnt look good im afraid---FOR BOTH OF US !

"you might as well pack and leave because you will be eaten alive." Fares USA Is that why you are living in the US? Without money, Hamas is not worth more than HUMUS. And if they will start getting "donations" for how long would that last? Do you think that the Palestinians will ever be able to build a self supporting state without the support of Israel? Your People voted for Hamas for the wrong reasons. The majority of the Palestinians want peace, yet Hamas makes it impossible for them. Abbas is your only hope!

Israel was, and has been recognized by the vast majority of states. Fixed borders for recognition is your obsession, not that of the world.

This sounds like a great opertunity for Israel to disingage and draw up its borders. after all who in there right mind would expect Israel to negosiate with these killers--Hama also do not want to negosite with the "zionist entity". So Israel needs to take this opertunity by the scruff of the neck and go for it. And best with a kenesit coilition of all shades

As things stand, there is nothing to negotiate. Israel is making all of the decisions and making all of the move... The Palestinians have a government that can do nothing, except perhaps collecting garbage.. If I was the new prime minister, I will call for a one state solution and call it quit... and let Israel re-occupy and do what it want... We must not allow the PLO to negotiate our rights away.

NEITHER ISRAEL NOR USA WERE BEHIND HAMAS VICTORY OR ABBAS FAILURE. IT WAS A TOTALLY CORRUPTED GOVERNMENT WHO DIDNT CARE ABOUT THE WELLFARE THAT LED PALESTINIANS TO VOTE MORE AGAINST FATH MISMANAGEMENT THAN FOR HAMAS IDEAS . ABBAS INABILITY TO CONTROL HIS PARTY DID THE REST

with the palestinian's authority on the verge of collapsing economically after they lost their prestige in the front of the TV cameras in Ariha (jericho ) . remember that you are the agressoer Dove who is putiing our people into submission . don't salute Abbas ,you can have him . as long as the israelis maintaining the same policy of murdering our people and stealing our resources ,this conflict will go on until the last israeli left . dove ...it sound funny ,but the ball really in your court because the collapse of the PA means a one state solution ,you might as well pack and leave because you will be eaten alive .

We are sick and tired of hearing the same old thing from Saeb Erekat as he talks Hamas down and as he imply that Hamas will fail because they do not have Saeb as their chief negotiator with Israel. Saeb is so frustrated, he is out of a job negotiating nothing with Israel. If he have nothing postive to say, he simply should shut up. Any one watching him on TV thinks the man is going ballistic and on the verge of a nervous breakdown... take a break Saeb and retire to the farm. Fatah is trying so hard to make sure Hamas fails, so that they go on raping the people.

Abbas should dissolve the PNA and force Israel to stand up to its reponsibilities for the social and economic well being of the Palestinians as required from an occupying power according to all International conventions and UN resolutions. Never in the history of mankind an occupying power force the occupied population to go and beg for money from other countries to finance the atrocities committed by the occupier. Never in the history of mankind an occupier asks the occupied to protect and finance the same occupation that is killing its innocent children and women, demolish its citizens homes,confiscate its land, cage it behind walls, humilate a whole population on checkpoints, destroys means of living, uproot trees and pollute water and terrorise every citizen. Only Israel can do this and under the watchful eyes of the International Community.!!!

A 'relative' maderate was appointed by Hamas? Does that mean that he doesn't want to blow up every Jew but would settle for quitely euthanizing them? Should we be grateful for Haniyeh appointing this person. Thank you so much Haniyeh!

and the palestinians elected them. they must be a)suicidal or b)stupid. if hamas continues on with its fanaticism -as it seems now- and olmert manages to a)get elected and b)disengage from the west bank, israel will be free to bomb palestinian civilians every time palestinians bomb israeli civilians (which happens now every day, and in response we target only the perpetrators, bc WE are civilized). it will be full-on war, and guess who's got more and better bombs. imagine a palestinian holocaust, every single one slaughtered. that's what palestinians are BEGGING for with their hamas lunacy. begging for death. i guess they really believe in the 72 virgins or something. idiots.

If Abbas dissolves the PA, that will leave Hamas as the only remaining supporter of the Oslo Agreements, that created the PA. Khalid to the contrary, it is the Palestinians who cannot set a border. There is no Palestinian leadership that is ready to sign an agreement which says: We hereby surrender Haifa, Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Lod, Ramle, Jerusalem (any part) to the Jews, forever. If they had such a leadership, they could have a final peace agreement at any time. Instead, Hamas says,"from the river to the sea." Fatah says, "expulsion of Jews from Arab territory, massive resettlment of Arabs in Jewish territory, all-Muslim Jerusalem." Only a crushing military victory will get the Palestinians, what they want.

As to the question about debate between Jew and Arabs in the Arab newspapers raised by Dov ben David. There are none, because the Arab papers are to busy promoting hate and blaming everyone for their problems except themselves. I am glad that Haaretz allows this debate and that Arabs can vent their feelings in an open and unedited forum.

aim is grabbing money while pursuing destruction of Israel

So, does this mean that there will be Hamas "Ministers" running PA departments which are staffed by predominantly Fatah civil servants? This would seem to have potential for running fast and standing still Shades of the British TV series "Yes Minister" it seems. (Although I am not sure I could ever come to terms with a Palestinian called Sir Humphrey)

Israel systematically destroyed the PA. It began in retaliation for the Infadata, and ended with the elimination of the PA from power. Now Hamas must make the choice, join the international community, or face the same demise. Hamas has the same opportunity in front of them.... They can make the right choice for their people and choose to live alongside Israel, or choose their destruction. Unfortunately, Hamas is on course to self destruct and play into the hands of Israel instead of acknowledging Israel's right to exist and living along side it. The unwillingness to choose to accept reality and choose to live alongside Isreal is the reason the Palestinians have, and continue to loose so much.

To Yousef: Your comments on why cant the leaders of the Palestinians work with Israel and make peace are spot on. Thank G-d Mubarak keeps them out of Egypt. If we had leaders like you on the PA's side Israel would have peace, the Pals would have pace and would prosper. But until the Pals learn to actually love their children more than they hate ours , this wil not happen. May your G-d make your wishes come true and let their be peace in Isareal and peace for the Pals.

In the last para of the article I see that actually Abbas holds the most important legal card. If he dissolves the PA there is nothing to govern so no Hamas government. So Abbas and Hamas have to find some sort of modus vivendi to allow them to represent Palestinian interests. Likewise, borders cannot be determined unilaterally. This is an oxymoron. A shape is defined by the light and shade around it. Unilateral borders build prisons, not countries. With Abbas and Hamas busy exploring and refining the art of negotiation for the next couple of weeks, perhaps they'll apply what they've learned to negotiations with the new Israeli government that will actually go somewhere at last.

Regarding the recommendation of voting for peace, I agree fully with you, and I send your own recommendation back to you. If the Palestinian majority wouldn’t have voted for a party that promised the destruction of our country, perhaps the peace would have been closer. I have finally a question. Is there an English paper in Palestine were I can have comments like the Haaretz? I would like to debate with my friends in Palestine…

I am sure that the Isreali peace lovers are repenting the death of the best peace partner Late Arafat.Majority of the Isreali people are peace lover,but for the benefits of rightest parties,unfortunately they are going to pay lots of misaries, briefs and blood. Israel claim that it is the only democratic state in the Middle East,but feels unhappy to see a better state of democracy in Palestine.I think Israeli people should vote in the nearest election for real peace lovers.My advice is that Occupation never evr lasted for ever. Vote for peace

There is a lot to gain for all of us, if the Palestinian people free themselves from theocracy. One thing is the creation of a Palestinian state, something that never existed in the past… When the Israeli people will feel that the Palestinian people are truly prepared to live with us in peace, I will together with a majority of the Israeli people, vote to go back to the -67 borders.

Dear Khalid, (Part One) I as an Israeli, agree that there split ideas of what we should give back in negotiations. This is normal in a healthy democracy. The government however, that we Israelis have elected, and then takes the decision of what to give back. But all questions of what we are prepared of giving back, is a useless discussion, when we have a neighbour that will not recognize our existents. We are not interested in Hudnas. We are interested in a future.. M. Abbas want to stay in the new Palestinian government as he is convinced that Hamas alone risk to bring a catastrophe upon its own people. I salute him and hope that he can guide Hamas to go from a terrorist organisation to a democratic institution. Khalid, believe me that one day the Palestinian people will demand it. So did the Russian, and so will also the Chinese people do. Hamas went through a 24 hours democratic delivery, now they must grow up and continue. If not, they will be rejected by its own people.

Well..Well.. a debate between Moslems on the issue of Hamas and Israel. It's nice to see that there can be 'independent' thinkers in the Molem World...instead of the the same old cliches about Israel.. In any case I doubt if it will change much in terms the behaviour of the Palestinians. They will still not 'miss an opportunity..to miss an opportunity' and the only one who will gain is Israel.. Thank G-D !

The Palestinian people now have a democratically-elected unwielding terrorist group at the helm of their Palestinian Raft sailing towards a mirage of blue skies and green fields, with a captive audience, armed with guns on every side, amidst rough seas, but with no rudder and especially with no intelligence to peacefully navigate the swelling waters. There is scarcely room for food on board as the ammunition boxes have been given the prime real-estate but the new captain of the raft believes his Einshallah's are the most genuine to date, and therefore, his people now adrift for 58 years, will soon find land, come hell or high water. Maybe ... actually, most definitely not! Unless they bring in more maternal moderation instead of the pathetic, paternal procrastination we've seen to date. Is your society up to it? Try it for your children's sake, they especially deserve it! Test Israel with Genuine Peace!!1

Who cares if the world is watching? you think the world does not know the real truth already. Don't count on the world too much, it has back stabbed us for 58 years. It is about time we Palestinians work beyond factions and unite. As for my Egyptian brother, I hope you are not spoon fed by the CIA, keep on living on US dollars, maybe that will keep you from going down to "bestial levels"

Firstly, to give peace a chance. You cannot get peace by holding a gun to a person's head. Sooner or later that person would fine a way to get free. The best way for peace to have a chance is to stop the terror, in democracy agreements are done by consultancy, diplomacy not threats of voilence. Both Israelis and Palestinian Arabs have a right to live in peace. The issues of things dear to each other such as Jerusalem can be gained by trust, trust is build not by weapons or use of voilent. The Jerusalem question could be solved with both sides having it as their capital with a joint say on the running of the city. Getting rid of the enemy of trust - fear and prejudice ( built on past experiences, misconceptions) should be the new objected not the people that live their. If you want peace you must be brave and devolop trust.

To Khalid and Observer: 1- I understand Khalid's point. But the world is watching and it is in Hamas interest to say: OK we recognize Israel and we accept the peace process and we are ready to negotiate. If it does that the ball will be transferred into the Israeli court. The world is watching. Israel may dodge and weave and prevaricate. But the world is watching. If Hamas refuses to budge and move, it will be isolated and this will give Israel the PRETEXT to escape from its responsibility. 2- The Observer. Abbas cannot stay if Hamas refuses to listen to him. Therefore he should leave it Hamas. We must remember that Hamas succeeded because Abbas was damaged by the US and Israel.

Gahndi, the Dalai lama and Mother Theresa

"Rude Foul Mouth Fool!" Rude is a matter of taste but ok I am sometimes a little rude to balance the rude on the oposite side. "Mouth fool" depends who judge. "Your vicious mouth and mindlessness will take you to the deep dark area reserved for "evil" BEWARE! Why vicious? may be some light mindlessness. When you refer to deep dark area reserved for evil you mean the P.A areas? what can I exactly improove? I am open to criticism and advice if is not too late for a almost "evil person". Please elaborate may be you have wisdom left for this poor fool. Thank you in advance

Your vicious mouth and mindlessness will take you to the deep dark area reserved for "evil" BEWARE!

Abbas should stay he is a stabilizing force and he can help tone Hamas stand and make them more acceptable. That's most important, right now.

Abbas should stay he is a stabilizing force and he can help tone Hamas stand and make them more acceptable. That's most important, right now.

The PLO recognized Israel for 17 years, and what was the result? more settlemetns and a police state without a state. And what agreemetns are you talking about? Even Israel and the PA and the US don't agree on what these agreements exactly mean. Indeed, Israel views the occupied territories as "disputed territories." Besides, what are the borders of "Israel" that you say Hamas ought to recognize? Is it Israel with Golan Heights, Israel with teh Sha'ba Farms, Israel with Parts of Jordan as some Israeli parties insist, or Israel with East Jerusalem? Let Israel first determin her borders, then we can discuss the issue of mutual recognition.

The PLO recognized Israel for 17 years, and what was the result? more settlemetns and a police state without a state. And what agreemetns are you talking about? Even Israel and the PA and the US don't agree on what these agreements exactly mean. Indeed, Israel views the occupied territories as "disputed territories." Besides, what are the borders of "Israel" that you say Hamas ought to recognize? Is it Israel with Golan Heights, Israel with teh Sha'ba Farms, Israel with Parts of Jordan as some Israeli parties insist, or Israel with East Jerusalem? Let Israel first determin her borders, then we can discuss the issue of mutual recognition.

Without a doubt Abbas cannot be trusted. he is playing the good guy bad guy game, with Hamas taking the role of the bad guy. They are both one and the same. We are sick of hearing about their problems. Hamas wishes to redicate Israel as did our losre of a leader Gamal Nasser. Why can't they just accept that the Jews are here to stay? Work with them, make peace with them and hopefully the Palestinians will be as prosperous as them. Thank Allah that Mubarek does not allow them to migrate here, otherwise they would drag us down to their bestial level. Killers of women and children, steeped in hatred. I lived there, saw and heard what their media says, and have witnessed how they have been brainwashed to the point where they are prepared to sacifice not only this generation, but the next as well into a living hell. Allah Akbar!

...unlike now with Abbas........chaos. The answer Abbas has not made a bit of difference but put lipstick on that "ugly pig" called the PA.

let Israel and the USA be responsible for the collapse of the Palestinian authority and let them both pay dearly for the injustice they did to the Arabs we Palestinians don't need a two state solution time will come when the Palestinian flag will fly over Jerusalem and tel-aviv

Hamas can form a government but unless it slaughters a number of sacred ideological cows, it will suffer isolation, failure and eventual collapse. It cannot rely on Iran which is facing sanctions over its nuclear activity. It must accept Abbas' advice and accept all prior agreements and recognize Israel and renouce violence for political reasons. Abbas and the PA must go. They are damaged property. The US and Israel had seen to that by refusing to negotiate with the moderate secular leadership. They helped Hamas indirectly. The gate crashing of the jail in Jericho was the last nail in Abbas' coffin. A kick in the teeth you might say.