News Analysis: Hamas' call for referendum in case of making peace with Israel indicates flexibility

by Osma Radi, Omer Othmani

GAZA, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- The recent declaration of Islamic Hamas movement that it suggests holding a referendum in case of reaching peace with Israel, is another indication of the movement' s flexibility to be part of the Middle East peace process.

Palestinian observers see that Hamas has been attempting over the past several years to be more pragmatic and flexible towards opening a direct dialogue with the west and get a place in the political map, however, the group's step is slow and reluctant.

This week, the deposed prime minister of Hamas Ismail Haneya told the visiting foreign media in Gaza that Hamas would accept holding a referendum in case of any peace agreement that the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and Israel would reach.

He also point out that "even if the results of the public referendum contradicts with Hamas strategy, we would accept it and be committed it," adding that his movement accepts a Palestinian state to be established on the occupied territories after 1967 war.

HAMAS TRIES TO END ISOLATION

Hamas, which is isolated by the international community because it rejects to recognize Israel and denounce violence, had earlier announced that it is against holding a public referendum in case of reaching a permanent peace agreement with Israel, depending on the principle "no referendum on stable rights."

Khalil Shain, a political analyst and writer based in the West Bank told Xinhua that the recent position of Hamas aims at sending messages to the world, mainly the United States that Hamas is not a terrorist organization. It shows flexible stances and the isolation of the movement must end.

"I could say that the recent stances of Hamas aim at joining in the peace process of future," Shahin said, "Hamas is seeking to open direct dialogue with the West to gain external political supports."

DIFFERENT STRATEGIES WITH PNA

Other observers believe that Hamas, which strongly seeks to open channels of direct dialogue with western countries, is pursuing a different style from the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) in ruling the peace process.

Hani Habib, a Gaza-based political analyst told Xinhua that Hamas' readiness to accept a referendum on any peace deal with Israel "is a frank turn in its positions towards the internal conflict and the peace process," indicating that Haneya's declaration "is not gaining a full support of Hamas."

"The timing of Haneya's declaration is really odd. He made it while the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks are stalling, which means that Hamas is presenting itself as an alternative as a peace partner and will hold a direct dialogue with the West," said Habib.

Fatah movement led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the bitter rival of Hamas has accused the Islamic movement of trying to contact with the EU and the United States, planning to start a direct dialogue with the West and be an alternative to Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

Hamas, which was founded in Gaza in Dec. 1987, is listed by the U.S. and European countries as terrorist organizations and that its charter calls for the destruction of Israel. However, observers ruled out the possibilities that Hamas would soon join the Middle East peace process.

Talal Oukal, another Gaza-based political analyst told Xinhua that Hamas' position and its policy "still don't promote to the level of being accepted comparing characteristics of the PLO", noting that "there are many obstacles that would block Hamas from joining the peace process."

Oukal believes that the current flexibility of Hamas towards opening a dialogue with the West and join the peace process " should also help in achieving the reconciliation with Fatah movement amid the political division between the two groups over reaching a permanent peace deal with Israel."

Source: Xinhua.
Link: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-12/04/c_13634294.htm.