New York, NY, April 28, 2011 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today reacted with concern to the reported agreement reached between Fatah and Hamas, saying it raises "serious questions" about whether the Palestinian Authority truly aspires to make peace with Israel.

Robert G. Sugarman, ADL National Chair and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director issued the following statement: 

The reported reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas raises serious questions about whether the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority aspires to achieve peace with the State of Israel, or is heading in a direction which will once again intensify the more than six-decade long war against Israel's existence through violent and political means.  There are absolutely no indications that as part of this agreement Hamas is prepared to abandon its deep ideological commitment to the violent eradication of Israel and its continued promotion and use of terrorism.

 

On the contrary, early statements from Hamas officials and President Mahmoud Abbas indicate they believe one part of the Palestinian governing structure can retain its murderous objectives toward Israel while the other part pretends to pursue peace.

 

The long-standing requirements of the international community and the State of Israel that Hamas must recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce the use of violence and terrorism, and accept previously negotiated Israeli-Palestinian agreements before engaging with Hamas remain the only foundation for engaging with Hamas.

 

We welcome the United States' strong affirmation of its designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization and the requirement that any Palestinian government accept the Quartet's principles.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.