A statement by Islam Shahwan, the former spokesperson of Hamas’ Interior Ministry in Gaza, recently set off a firestorm of controversy. In a message posted on Facebook, which Shahwan has since removed, he wondered whether direct talks between representatives of his movement and the Israelis at the Erez border crossing might resolve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Shahwan, who no longer holds an official position but is considered a prominent Hamas activist, hinted that perhaps the time had come to think “outside the box,” as he put it. The post was shared widely, generating support from Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, but as was to be expected, many attacked him for even considering talks with the “Satan.”
Shahwan was obliged to respond, saying in a new post that his comments reflected his personal views and he was not giving up on the idea he had raised. “It’s time to examine whether the Gaza problem can be resolved peacefully with the enemies and whether security arrangements can be found to help prevent a humanitarian crisis,” he wrote.
