Fawzi Barhoum, the spokesman of Hamas, said in a statement: “insistence
on continuing settlement activity in spite of negotiations confirms that he
wanted (them) as a cover for continued settlement activity and judaization to
complete his project of building a Jewish state and ignoring Palestinian
rights.” The call came amid uncertainty over the future of the talks, as Abbas
has repeatedly threatened to end the talks if Israel does not extend a
ten-month freeze on construction in West Bank settlements. The freeze period is
due to expire at midnight on Sunday.
Abbas said in statements Sunday in this regard: “We have yet
to receive word on what the Israeli move will be. We will make a decision in
response to developments on the ground.”
Attempts are currently under way to find a compromise that
would keep the talks going, but so far the effort has failed. Israeli settlers
and their supporters have pressured Netanyahu to end the restriction on new
construction. Some are planning to hold a rally Sunday to count down to the
officials end of the slowdown at midnight.
“What required from Abbas in the light of the ongoing Israel
arrogance and intransigence is to immediately withdrew from the talks ...
announce their end, and go directly to finalize the inter-Palestinian
reconciliation, and end the current rift and reunite the Palestinian people,”
said Barhoum in the statement.
Hamas and Abbas’ Fatah party, which controls the West Bank,
have been at loggerheads since June 2007 when Hamas militants seized full
control of Gaza.
