Hamas shooting leadsto security crackdown

Scores of Hamas members were arrested in sweeps by Palestinian security throughout the West Bank overnight after the shooting of four Israelis on the eve of new Middle East peace talks.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Sep 2010, 18:27 BST
Updated 1st Sep 2010, 18:54 BST

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Israel 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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A “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.

Related topics:HamasPalestinianBenjamin Netanyahu