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THE TWO FACES AND ZERO AUTHORITY OF MAHMOUD ABBAS

by Hana Levi Julian

PA, Abbas Bless Rabbi's Murderers as 'Martyrs'

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas publicly proclaimed three terrorists who murdered a Jewish father of seven children to be "shaheeds" — holy martyrs, according to a report by the PA media watchdog, Palestinian Media Watch.[1] Abbas declared the killers — all members of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, part of the Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement — to be shaheeds and sent his personal emissary to visit their families following last Thursday's attack: [emphasis added]

Rabbi Meir Avshalom Chai, a 40-year-old Israeli resident of the Samaria Jewish community of Shavei Shomron, was murdered in a hail of bullets fired by four terrorists in car that overtook him as he drove home from a nearby community. On Friday night, IDF soldiers tracked down three of the terrorists and killed them after they opened fire during an attempt to arrest them. The fourth surrendered to PA police, who have not turned him over to Israeli authorities.

The response of the PA government has been one of unequivocal support for the terror attack, with statements by its leadership and that of the Fatah faction referring to the terrorists as Palestinian heroes and shahids. One member of the faction's central committee described the terrorists as "[militar commanders, brave heroes, and fighters," according to a news report in the daily Al-Hayat Al-Jadida translated by PMW.

PA government-controlled media, meanwhile, has described Israel's killing of the rabbi's murderers as an "assassination" and "murder in cold blood."

Abbas: 'Not Me - Won't Turn to Violence'

Abbas claimed in an English-language interview posted this week on the Palestine Media Center[2] web site, and clearly intended for international readership, that he is opposed to violence and terrorism, regardless of circumstance. The PMC is the media outlet and "general secretariat" for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), of which Fatah is a member.

The statement was made in response to a question regarding his views on whether the PA would agree to a single-state solution or insist on the establishment of an independent PA country, as stated in the Road Map plan.

"I will not turn to violence," he replied. "No matter where you drag us, I will not return to violence."

"Not me. I am against this,"

The Two-Faces of Abbas
Abbas Turns 3 Latest Terrorists Into Palestinian Heroes Palestinian Media Watch palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=157&doc_id=1524 Rabbi Meir Avshalom Hai - a 45-year old Israeli and father of seven children - was killed in a drive-by shooting last Thursday. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, part of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement, took responsibility for the killing. On Friday night, Israeli forces located and killed three of the terrorists involved in the attack. The fourth surrendered to the PA police. The response of the PA has been unequivocal support and backing for the terrorists. Since Friday, the leadership of the PA, the heads of Fatah, the heads of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades and the PA-controlled media have continuously portrayed the killers as Palestinian heroes and Shahids -- holy Martyrs -- while describing Israel's killing of the three terrorists as "murder in cold blood" and "assassination." PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas declared the killers "Shahids" (holy Martyrs) and sent his personal emissary to visit the families: "Secretary General of the President's Bureau, Tayeb Abd Al-Rahim, conveyed condolences on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas to the residents of Nablus and to the families of the three Shahids [Martyrs] for the Martyrdom of their sons, who were assassinated by Israeli occupation forces yesterday morning. He conveyed to the fighting families letters of condolences from the President [Abbas] and updated them as to [Abbas's] decision to declare them as Shahids [Martyrs] of the Palestinian revolution..." Tayeb Abd Al-Rahim:"Without doubt, what the [Israeli] occupation authorities have carried out is a wild and barbaric act and a deliberate, malicious assassination in cold blood." [PA TV (Fatah) News, Dec. 27, 2009] PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad went even further, personally visiting the families of the terrorists along with other senior PA officials. "Prime Minister visits Nablus and conveys condolences to the families of the Shahids (Martyrs). Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad today visited the city of Nablus in the wake of the Israeli military operation, and presented condolences to the families of the three Martyrs who were murdered by the occupation forces. Dr. Fayyad was accompanied by Internal Affairs Minister Dr. Said Abu Ali, leaders of the security agencies, and Police Director-General Major General Hazem Atallah, and they visited the house of mourning, which was held in the Trade Unions compound in the city... The Prime Minister condemned the Israeli military operation in the city." [WAFA news agency, Dec. 26, 2009] The Fatah movement is glorifying the terrorists: "Mahmoud Al-Aloul, member of the Fatah Central Committee, said that the occupation murdered these three young men as well as another three in Gaza, in cold blood. He described them as '[military] commanders, brave heroes, and fighters.'" [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Dec. 27, 2009] PA TV focused on the Fatah poster (above), signed with condolences of PA Chairman Abbas, honoring the three terrorists. The following is the text on the poster with pictures of the terrorists: "With honor and admiration to those who are more honored than all of us." [Reference to supreme honor of Shahids - Martyrs in Islam] "The Palestine Liberation Organization, Fatah, accompanies to their wedding:" [Reference to Islamic belief that Martyrs marry virgins in Paradise] The Martyr, Commander, Hero: Rassan Abu Serah The Martyr, Commander, Hero: Ra'ed Al Aschregi The Martyr, Commander, Hero: Anan Sobh The Director General of the Presidency expresses condolences to the Nablus Martyrs - in the name of the President [Abbas] It's important to note that in condemning Israel's killing of the terrorists, the PA is not denying that those killed were responsible for the murder of Rabbi Hai: "The Shahid Imad Mughniyeh group [named after Hezbollah terrorist] of the [Fatah's] Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades has denounced the [Israeli] crime of the assassination in Nablus, killing three Fatah activists, including Anan Sobh, who, according to the [Fatah's Al-Aqsa] Brigades, planned the Tulkarem operation which led to the death of the settler in a shooting operation." [Ma'an News Agency, Dec. 26, 2009] In the official announcement right after the terror attack, Fatah took responsibility, while calling the killers "Jihad Fighters" and warning of more "quality operations": "A group announcing that it belonged to the Fatah's Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades claimed responsibility for the shooting... 'The Jihad Fighters confirmed that the person who was in the car had taken a direct hit, and praise to Allah - the Jihad Fighters escaped unharmed...' The announcement said that 'this action is part of a series of operations; you can expect more quality operations [terror attacks] from us.'" [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Dec. 25, 2009] After the terrorists were killed, Fatah changed from threatening more "quality operations" to warning that it would avenge the killing of the "Jihad Fighters": Headline: "The occupation murders three residents of Nablus in cold blood... the President's [Abbas's] Bureau denounces the Israeli crime..." "The [Fatah's] Al-Aqsa Brigades announced: 'By the act of murdering an elite group of our Jihad Fighters in Nablus and in Gaza, the occupation is opening for itself the gates of Hell.' They threatened that 'our activists will not stand idly by while the blood of Jihad Fighters is spilled... The enemy will hear nothing from us but the language of blood and fire, and our Shahada [Martyrdom] Seekers will go out to [the enemy] from every place in order to turn his days into nights, and he will come to regret his crime. We shall not sleep over the blood of our Jihad Fighters, and our response will be swift... We affirm the continuation of our choice of blood and Martyrdom. The only choice, in the face of the repeated attacks against our people in the towns and villages and refugee camps of the occupied homeland. We shall turn the spilled blood of the Martyrs and the commanders into a torch of fury that will burn the forces of evil and aggression.'' [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Dec. 27, 2009]	President Mahmoud Abbas: No To Violence, Terrorism, Gunfire, or Military Intifada 28/12/2009 www.palestine-pmc.com/details.asp?cat=6&id= In two recent interviews with the London daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat and the Egyptian daily Al-Ahram, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud 'Abbas clarified that his decision not to run for reelection was final, and said that negotiations with Israel would only be renewed if the latter recognized the 1967 borders and put a complete freeze on settlements for a six month period — even an undeclared freeze. Following are excerpts from the interviews: Olmert Promised Us 100% of the Territory; We Could Have Reached an Agreement Q: "Could you have reached an agreement with Olmert?" A: "I think we could have reached an understanding.. and found a solution. In fact, [Olmert] said he would give me 100% [of the territory].." Renewal of Talks in Return for a Six-Month Complete Settlement Freeze, Recognition of 1967 Borders Q: "What is the way to out [of the deadlock] and towards renewing the negotiations [with Israel]?" A: "There must be a six-month [complete] settlement freeze, [even] an undeclared one. [The Israelis can] inform the Americans or someone else about it. As for us, we have people who can monitor the situation on the ground. [Additionally], the 1967 borders must be declared as the basis for negotiations.. I suggested this idea to the Americans and to (Israeli Defense Minister) Ehud Barak on two occasions.. [and said,] 'If you agree to this, you can inform only the Americans..' [but Barak] did not respond to our [proposal]." No to a Bi-National State or a State with Temporary Borders; No to a Return to Violence Q: "There are those who call to establish a single [bi-national] state." A: "We do not call for [such] a state.. that is not the option [we want]. The Road Map [sets out] three phases. The first is [the phase of] obligations. I have fulfilled all my obligations.. while Israel has done nothing. I am convinced of this, and this is why Israel has actually canceled the first phase of the plan. The third phase involves [establishing] two states and ending the occupation, but [the Israelis] refuse.. In other words, the third phase [of the plan] is also gone. As for the second phase, it [involves] the option of a state with temporary borders, but this I reject. So what is the solution? Where do they want to lead us? Nevertheless, I will not turn to violence. No matter where you drag us, I will not return to violence." Q: "And if violence forces itself upon you?" A: "Not me. I am against this.. I will not accept violence, terrorism, gunfire or a military intifada.. Absolutely not." Q: "But you are in favor of a nonviolent popular struggle?" A: "Certainly, the public has the right to protest. The people of [the villages] Ni'lin and Bil'in have the right to come out and voice their opposition to the fence. The residents of Jerusalem have the right to demonstrate against the occupation and destruction of their homes. But I repeat: I reject [the use of] military force because it will destroy us.. I will not have the land destroyed again now that it has been rebuilt." Q: "Are there concerns that a third intifada might break out?" A: "I hope that doesn't happen, and I am against it. But I hope nobody backs the people into a corner, [leaving them no other choice]." Q: "But if the people see their president backed into a corner, what will they do?" A: "That will be the people's decision, not mine. I will not call on them to start shooting. That will not happen." Q: "They will not necessarily turn to armed resistance. They might stage an uprising along the lines of the first intifada of 1987.." A: "[But] the intifada of 2000 was of a different nature. It was sparked by Ariel Sharon's provocation.. People were killed and a five-year intifada broke out, and look what it did to us." I Will Not Run For Reelection Q: "Why have you chosen to step down as PA president? Was [your declaration] sincere, or was it merely a bid for attention..?" A: "What do they want from me? The peace process has stopped and so has the [intra-Palestinian] reconciliation [process]... All the roads have been closed to me and there are no solutions. If I cannot move forward and attain my large goal, I will not continue in my post. I have attained security [for my people], improved the economic situation, and reformed the Fatah and PLO [institutions], [but the ultimate goal] is to achieve a reconciliation between all the [Palestinian] factions and hold negotiations with Israel. However, the doors have been closed in my face." Q: "If [intra-Palestinian] reconciliation is achieved, will you reverse your decision?" A: "If there is a change in positions, my successor will deal with it." Q: "Is that your final decision?" A: "Definitely.. I will not run for reelection. There is no choice but to make a serious effort [at reconciliation]. We will not wait forever, leaving the fate and future of the Palestinian people in the hands of Hamas, which is sitting all smug and comfortable in its [little] emirate in Gaza." Hamas Is Funded by Iran Q: "What happens if there are elections and Hamas [wins] and runs the PA?" A: "That's up to [Hamas]. If the scenario you described materializes, the world will have to deal with a PA president who rejects the international law and the peace process. Nobody will deal with him. Hamas must change its positions so that Gaza can be rehabilitated. The billions [of dollars] that [various] countries promised to provide at the Sharm Al-Sheikh Summit have not been handed over because of Hamas' positions..." Q: "Are you prepared to sit [and negotiate] with Hamas?" A: "We have [already] done so, and if asked, I will not refuse to negotiate with anyone.. Q: "You signed the [reconciliation] agreement sponsored by Egypt.. and Hamas also agreed [to sign it], but reneged at the last moment.. How do you explain that?" A: "They were subjected to pressures. [Their leaders] in Damascus get instructions [from elsewhere]." Q: "Instructions from where?.. From Syria.. or perhaps Iran?" A: "Instructions from Iran." Q: "Did Iran torpedo the reconciliation?" A: "Yes." Q: "Why would it want to [do that]?" A: "Iran is a player in the region, and at the same time it has [certain interests having to do with] its relations with the U.S. It wants to obtain bargaining chips it can use [to promote its goals].. and it is paying for them." Q: "How much is it paying for this bargaining chip [i.e., Hamas]?" A: "As far as I know, $250 million." Q: "It pays this sum every year?" A: "I don't know. [Maybe] every six months.. [maybe] every year.. Hamas is funded by Iran.. [Hamas] claims it is financed by donations.. but the [sum provided by] donations is nothing like what it receives from Iran. [This sum] does not come to one fourth, one fifth, or even one percent of what [Hamas] receives from Iran." Q: "Is that the reason behind Khaled Mash'al's repeated visits to Iran?" A: "Of course..." Hamas Gaza Wants Reconciliation, But Hamas Damascus Is Refusing Q: "You say that there is an internal struggle within Hamas regarding the [intra-Palestinian reconciliation process]?" A: "According to the information I have, the Hamas leadership in Gaza wants to sign the reconciliation [agreement], because it is suffering, but the Hamas leadership in Damascus does not want [to sign]. I do not know if this is true or not. The ones in Gaza want reconciliation because they are suffering daily..." Q: "What if you tell Hamas, 'I am the PA president and I will come [to Gaza] to discharge my duty?" A: "Let's say I decide to go to Gaza. I get into my car and go.. [But] then what?.. Tell me, what can I do?.. I don't even have a place to stay [there]." Q: "[But] you have a house [there].. and a palace for hosting visitors." A: "My house was seized [by Hamas].. and was the PLO headquarters. Where would I go?.. They turned my house into a prison.." Yes to Prisoners Exchange Deal, Even at the Cost of Strengthening Hamas Q: "If Hamas manages to free dozens of [Palestinian] prisoners whom Israel claims 'have Jewish blood on their hands,' it will be a victory for Hamas, because you did not manage to free a single one of [these prisoners] in 16 years of negotiations.. from the 1993 [signing of the] Oslo Agreement until today." A: "You should put this question to Israel.. Besides, [Gilad] Shalit has cost us 2,500 shahids and [many destroyed] homes, etc., and it isn't over yet. I place the primary responsibility for this on Hamas, as well as Israel. So let's put this issue aside... They said I was against the [Shalit] deal because I feared competition from [Marwan] Barghouti... Well, I do not want to stand for reelection, so I have no reason to fear [him]..." Q: "Are you not concerned that the prisoner [exchange] deal will increase Hamas' popularity at the expense of the PA's?" A: "Despite this, I am in favor [of the deal].. Let them profit from it, as long as the prisoners are freed. One prisoner liberated means entire families saved. The most important thing is for the prisoners to return to their families."

The Two-Faces of Abbas

Abbas Turns 3 Latest Terrorists Into Palestinian Heroes

Palestinian Media Watch
palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=157&doc_id=1524

Rabbi Meir Avshalom Hai - a 45-year old Israeli and father of seven children - was killed in a drive-by shooting last Thursday. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, part of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement, took responsibility for the killing. On Friday night, Israeli forces located and killed three of the terrorists involved in the attack. The fourth surrendered to the PA police.

The response of the PA has been unequivocal support and backing for the terrorists. Since Friday, the leadership of the PA, the heads of Fatah, the heads of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades and the PA-controlled media have continuously portrayed the killers as Palestinian heroes and Shahids -- holy Martyrs -- while describing Israel's killing of the three terrorists as "murder in cold blood" and "assassination."

PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas declared the killers "Shahids" (holy Martyrs) and sent his personal emissary to visit the families:

"Secretary General of the President's Bureau, Tayeb Abd Al-Rahim, conveyed condolences on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas to the residents of Nablus and to the families of the three Shahids [Martyrs] for the Martyrdom of their sons, who were assassinated by Israeli occupation forces yesterday morning. He conveyed to the fighting families letters of condolences from the President [Abbas] and updated them as to [Abbas's] decision to declare them as Shahids [Martyrs] of the Palestinian revolution..."
Tayeb Abd Al-Rahim:"Without doubt, what the [Israeli] occupation authorities have carried out is a wild and barbaric act and a deliberate, malicious assassination in cold blood." [PA TV (Fatah) News, Dec. 27, 2009]

PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad went even further, personally visiting the families of the terrorists along with other senior PA officials. "Prime Minister visits Nablus and conveys condolences to the families of the Shahids (Martyrs). Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad today visited the city of Nablus in the wake of the Israeli military operation, and presented condolences to the families of the three Martyrs who were murdered by the occupation forces. Dr. Fayyad was accompanied by Internal Affairs Minister Dr. Said Abu Ali, leaders of the security agencies, and Police Director-General Major General Hazem Atallah, and they visited the house of mourning, which was held in the Trade Unions compound in the city... The Prime Minister condemned the Israeli military operation in the city." [WAFA news agency, Dec. 26, 2009]

The Fatah movement is glorifying the terrorists:

"Mahmoud Al-Aloul, member of the Fatah Central Committee, said that the occupation murdered these three young men as well as another three in Gaza, in cold blood. He described them as '[military] commanders, brave heroes, and fighters.'" [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Dec. 27, 2009]

PA TV focused on the Fatah poster (above), signed with condolences of PA Chairman Abbas, honoring the three terrorists. The following is the text on the poster with pictures of the terrorists:

"With honor and admiration to those who are more honored than all of us."
[Reference to supreme honor of Shahids - Martyrs in Islam]
"The Palestine Liberation Organization, Fatah, accompanies to their wedding:"
[Reference to Islamic belief that Martyrs marry virgins in Paradise]
The Martyr, Commander, Hero: Rassan Abu Serah
The Martyr, Commander, Hero: Ra'ed Al Aschregi
The Martyr, Commander, Hero: Anan Sobh
The Director General of the Presidency expresses condolences to the Nablus Martyrs - in the name of the President [Abbas]

It's important to note that in condemning Israel's killing of the terrorists, the PA is not denying that those killed were responsible for the murder of Rabbi Hai:

"The Shahid Imad Mughniyeh group [named after Hezbollah terrorist] of the [Fatah's] Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades has denounced the [Israeli] crime of the assassination in Nablus, killing three Fatah activists, including Anan Sobh, who, according to the [Fatah's Al-Aqsa] Brigades, planned the Tulkarem operation which led to the death of the settler in a shooting operation." [Ma'an News Agency, Dec. 26, 2009]

In the official announcement right after the terror attack, Fatah took responsibility, while calling the killers "Jihad Fighters" and warning of more "quality operations":

"A group announcing that it belonged to the Fatah's Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades claimed responsibility for the shooting... 'The Jihad Fighters confirmed that the person who was in the car had taken a direct hit, and praise to Allah - the Jihad Fighters escaped unharmed...' The announcement said that 'this action is part of a series of operations; you can expect more quality operations [terror attacks] from us.'" [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Dec. 25, 2009]

After the terrorists were killed, Fatah changed from threatening more "quality operations" to warning that it would avenge the killing of the "Jihad Fighters":

Headline: "The occupation murders three residents of Nablus in cold blood... the President's [Abbas's] Bureau denounces the Israeli crime..."
"The [Fatah's] Al-Aqsa Brigades announced: 'By the act of murdering an elite group of our Jihad Fighters in Nablus and in Gaza, the occupation is opening for itself the gates of Hell.' They threatened that 'our activists will not stand idly by while the blood of Jihad Fighters is spilled... The enemy will hear nothing from us but the language of blood and fire, and our Shahada [Martyrdom] Seekers will go out to [the enemy] from every place in order to turn his days into nights, and he will come to regret his crime. We shall not sleep over the blood of our Jihad Fighters, and our response will be swift... We affirm the continuation of our choice of blood and Martyrdom. The only choice, in the face of the repeated attacks against our people in the towns and villages and refugee camps of the occupied homeland. We shall turn the spilled blood of the Martyrs and the commanders into a torch of fury that will burn the forces of evil and aggression.'' [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Dec. 27, 2009]

President Mahmoud Abbas: No To Violence, Terrorism, Gunfire, or Military Intifada

28/12/2009
www.palestine-pmc.com/details.asp?cat=6&id=

In two recent interviews with the London daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat and the Egyptian daily Al-Ahram, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud 'Abbas clarified that his decision not to run for reelection was final, and said that negotiations with Israel would only be renewed if the latter recognized the 1967 borders and put a complete freeze on settlements for a six month period — even an undeclared freeze.

Following are excerpts from the interviews:

Olmert Promised Us 100% of the Territory; We Could Have Reached an Agreement

Q: "Could you have reached an agreement with Olmert?"
A: "I think we could have reached an understanding.. and found a solution. In fact, [Olmert] said he would give me 100% [of the territory].."

Renewal of Talks in Return for a Six-Month Complete Settlement Freeze, Recognition of 1967 Borders

Q: "What is the way to out [of the deadlock] and towards renewing the negotiations [with Israel]?"
A: "There must be a six-month [complete] settlement freeze, [even] an undeclared one. [The Israelis can] inform the Americans or someone else about it. As for us, we have people who can monitor the situation on the ground. [Additionally], the 1967 borders must be declared as the basis for negotiations.. I suggested this idea to the Americans and to (Israeli Defense Minister) Ehud Barak on two occasions.. [and said,] 'If you agree to this, you can inform only the Americans..' [but Barak] did not respond to our [proposal]."

No to a Bi-National State or a State with Temporary Borders; No to a Return to Violence

Q: "There are those who call to establish a single [bi-national] state."
A: "We do not call for [such] a state.. that is not the option [we want]. The Road Map [sets out] three phases. The first is [the phase of] obligations. I have fulfilled all my obligations.. while Israel has done nothing. I am convinced of this, and this is why Israel has actually canceled the first phase of the plan. The third phase involves [establishing] two states and ending the occupation, but [the Israelis] refuse.. In other words, the third phase [of the plan] is also gone. As for the second phase, it [involves] the option of a state with temporary borders, but this I reject. So what is the solution? Where do they want to lead us? Nevertheless, I will not turn to violence. No matter where you drag us, I will not return to violence."

Q: "And if violence forces itself upon you?"
A: "Not me. I am against this.. I will not accept violence, terrorism, gunfire or a military intifada.. Absolutely not."

Q: "But you are in favor of a nonviolent popular struggle?"
A: "Certainly, the public has the right to protest. The people of [the villages] Ni'lin and Bil'in have the right to come out and voice their opposition to the fence. The residents of Jerusalem have the right to demonstrate against the occupation and destruction of their homes. But I repeat: I reject [the use of] military force because it will destroy us.. I will not have the land destroyed again now that it has been rebuilt."

Q: "Are there concerns that a third intifada might break out?"
A: "I hope that doesn't happen, and I am against it. But I hope nobody backs the people into a corner, [leaving them no other choice]."

Q: "But if the people see their president backed into a corner, what will they do?"
A: "That will be the people's decision, not mine. I will not call on them to start shooting. That will not happen."

Q: "They will not necessarily turn to armed resistance. They might stage an uprising along the lines of the first intifada of 1987.."
A: "[But] the intifada of 2000 was of a different nature. It was sparked by Ariel Sharon's provocation.. People were killed and a five-year intifada broke out, and look what it did to us." I Will Not Run For Reelection

Q: "Why have you chosen to step down as PA president? Was [your declaration] sincere, or was it merely a bid for attention..?"
A: "What do they want from me? The peace process has stopped and so has the [intra-Palestinian] reconciliation [process]... All the roads have been closed to me and there are no solutions. If I cannot move forward and attain my large goal, I will not continue in my post. I have attained security [for my people], improved the economic situation, and reformed the Fatah and PLO [institutions], [but the ultimate goal] is to achieve a reconciliation between all the [Palestinian] factions and hold negotiations with Israel. However, the doors have been closed in my face."

Q: "If [intra-Palestinian] reconciliation is achieved, will you reverse your decision?"
A: "If there is a change in positions, my successor will deal with it."

Q: "Is that your final decision?"
A: "Definitely.. I will not run for reelection. There is no choice but to make a serious effort [at reconciliation]. We will not wait forever, leaving the fate and future of the Palestinian people in the hands of Hamas, which is sitting all smug and comfortable in its [little] emirate in Gaza."

Hamas Is Funded by Iran

Q: "What happens if there are elections and Hamas [wins] and runs the PA?"
A: "That's up to [Hamas]. If the scenario you described materializes, the world will have to deal with a PA president who rejects the international law and the peace process. Nobody will deal with him. Hamas must change its positions so that Gaza can be rehabilitated. The billions [of dollars] that [various] countries promised to provide at the Sharm Al-Sheikh Summit have not been handed over because of Hamas' positions..."

Q: "Are you prepared to sit [and negotiate] with Hamas?"
A: "We have [already] done so, and if asked, I will not refuse to negotiate with anyone..

Q: "You signed the [reconciliation] agreement sponsored by Egypt.. and Hamas also agreed [to sign it], but reneged at the last moment.. How do you explain that?"
A: "They were subjected to pressures. [Their leaders] in Damascus get instructions [from elsewhere]."

Q: "Instructions from where?.. From Syria.. or perhaps Iran?"
A: "Instructions from Iran."

Q: "Did Iran torpedo the reconciliation?"
A: "Yes."

Q: "Why would it want to [do that]?"
A: "Iran is a player in the region, and at the same time it has [certain interests having to do with] its relations with the U.S. It wants to obtain bargaining chips it can use [to promote its goals].. and it is paying for them."

Q: "How much is it paying for this bargaining chip [i.e., Hamas]?"
A: "As far as I know, $250 million."

Q: "It pays this sum every year?"
A: "I don't know. [Maybe] every six months.. [maybe] every year.. Hamas is funded by Iran.. [Hamas] claims it is financed by donations.. but the [sum provided by] donations is nothing like what it receives from Iran. [This sum] does not come to one fourth, one fifth, or even one percent of what [Hamas] receives from Iran."

Q: "Is that the reason behind Khaled Mash'al's repeated visits to Iran?"
A: "Of course..."

Hamas Gaza Wants Reconciliation, But Hamas Damascus Is Refusing

Q: "You say that there is an internal struggle within Hamas regarding the [intra-Palestinian reconciliation process]?"
A: "According to the information I have, the Hamas leadership in Gaza wants to sign the reconciliation [agreement], because it is suffering, but the Hamas leadership in Damascus does not want [to sign]. I do not know if this is true or not. The ones in Gaza want reconciliation because they are suffering daily..."

Q: "What if you tell Hamas, 'I am the PA president and I will come [to Gaza] to discharge my duty?"
A: "Let's say I decide to go to Gaza. I get into my car and go.. [But] then what?.. Tell me, what can I do?.. I don't even have a place to stay [there]."

Q: "[But] you have a house [there].. and a palace for hosting visitors."
A: "My house was seized [by Hamas].. and was the PLO headquarters. Where would I go?.. They turned my house into a prison.."

Yes to Prisoners Exchange Deal, Even at the Cost of Strengthening Hamas

Q: "If Hamas manages to free dozens of [Palestinian] prisoners whom Israel claims 'have Jewish blood on their hands,' it will be a victory for Hamas, because you did not manage to free a single one of [these prisoners] in 16 years of negotiations.. from the 1993 [signing of the] Oslo Agreement until today."
A: "You should put this question to Israel.. Besides, [Gilad] Shalit has cost us 2,500 shahids and [many destroyed] homes, etc., and it isn't over yet. I place the primary responsibility for this on Hamas, as well as Israel. So let's put this issue aside... They said I was against the [Shalit] deal because I feared competition from [Marwan] Barghouti... Well, I do not want to stand for reelection, so I have no reason to fear [him]..."

Q: "Are you not concerned that the prisoner [exchange] deal will increase Hamas' popularity at the expense of the PA's?"
A: "Despite this, I am in favor [of the deal].. Let them profit from it, as long as the prisoners are freed. One prisoner liberated means entire families saved. The most important thing is for the prisoners to return to their families."

Hana Levi Julian writes for Arutz-Sheva (www.IsraelNationalNews), where this article appeared December 31, 2009.