Hamas' Abu Marzouk says recognizing Israel a 'red line'
In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Mousa Abu Marzouk, deputy chairman of Hamas' political bureau, said that although it "will not recognize Israel ... Hamas will not burden the next government's success with hurdles and obstacles."
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — “Hamas will not recognize Israel,” Mousa Abu Marzouk, deputy chairman of Hamas’ political bureau, told Al-Monitor in an exclusive interview.
“This is a red line that cannot be crossed,” said the 63-year-old Hamas leader who played a pivotal role in achieving the reconciliation deal with Fatah on April 23.
Abu Marzouk’s remarks come as Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas meet in Qatar. The Hamas leader added that the Quartet’s requirement that Hamas recognize Israel “do not concern us one bit.”
“We would have spared ourselves seven years of misery under the siege and two wars in 2008 and 2012 had we wanted to recognize Israel,” he said.
