Hamas shooting leadsto security crackdown
The raids appeared to be a message from the government of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to both its Hamas rivals and to Israel that it is committed to the talks. Hamas condemned the crackdown as “treason.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would not let the shooting derail the negotiations.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIsrael and the Palestinians are in Washington to begin talks aimed at creating an independent Palestinian state.
The talks are to focus on core issues, including the status of east Jerusalem, which the Palestinians want as capital.
In a possible hint on the Israeli position on Jerusalem, Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak indicated that Israel would be willing to reach a compromise.
“West Jerusalem and 12 Jewish neighbourhoods that are home to 200,000 residents will be ours. The Arab neighbourhoods in which close to a quarter million Palestinians live will be theirs,” Mr Barak said.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdA “special regime” would be needed around the Old City – home to sensitive Jewish, Christian and Muslim holy sites.
The talks will be the first direct talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders in nearly two years.