(New York Times Magazine) Deborah Solomon - Q: The Israeli security cabinet just voted to ease the three-year blockade on Gaza....What does that mean in practical terms? Livni: The reason for the blockade on Gaza was not to punish the Palestinians but to continue to delegitimize Hamas. There is no hope for peace with Hamas, and we need to continue the peace process with the legitimate Palestinian government. Q: Many Americans agree Hamas is a disaster, but might Israel do more to show concern for the Palestinian people and the problems they face? Livni: I know that there is no humanitarian crisis. Q: Why do you say that? Livni: The crossings are open for humanitarian needs. I suggested in the past to put cameras online, on the Internet, for the world to see all the goods entering Gaza. This was my suggestion when I was foreign minister. Q: You're the leader of the centrist Kadima Party, which is an opposition party. Yet you don't sound very opposed to the views of the ruling party. Livni: On the right of Israel to exist and to defend itself, there is no opposition in Israel.
2010-06-30 08:25:16Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive