Will Palestinian terrorists accept a long-term truce with Israel? Palestinian banner. Illustrative. By Joshua Spurlock
The Hamas terrorist group is reportedly working on a five-year ceasefire with Israel less than one year after the current quiet was agreed upon, but another Palestinian group is concerned about the truce happening and that could kill the whole deal. Following a meeting with Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups in Gaza, Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) member Saleh Zeidan said Hamas told them there was no agreement with Israel yet, according to the Ma’an News Agency.
Furthermore, Zeiden warned such a truce would have “dangerous consequences” and would divide the Palestinians. Hamas officials have said they are holding talks on a five-year deal with Israel according to Israel Radio, as cited by The Jerusalem Post. However, one Hamas member said that all involved Palestinian groups would need to agree to the ceasefire. Based on the DFLP’s reaction, that doesn’t sound likely.
The Jerusalem Post report noted the talks between Israel and Hamas on the truce are indirect. Hamas is recognized by Israel, the US and others as a terrorist group, while the Palestinian organization refuses to recognize Israel.
(By Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastudpate.com, June 18, 2015)