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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/15/opinion/israel-peace.html
Does Israel Want Peace?
(New York Times) Dani Dayan - In its editorial on Dec. 5, "Does President Trump Want Mideast Peace?" the New York Times argued that Israel has "shown no serious interest in peace." This sentiment is wrong. In recent months, Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, has been more concerned about making peace with Hamas, which has not renounced its genocidal ideology or laid down its weapons, and has consistently refused to come to the negotiating table with Israel. It is Israel that has stated continuously that it is open for negotiations, without preconditions. You also mention that "Palestinians anticipated being able to locate their capital in east Jerusalem and to have access to Muslim holy sites there." The truth is that Palestinians and Muslims from around the world continue to worship at Islamic holy sites year-round, and Israel has guaranteed, still guarantees, and will continue to guarantee freedom of worship for every faith. We continue to hope that the Palestinians will see the value in talks and dialogue so that we can achieve real peace. The writer is Israel's consul general in New York.