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U.S.: Hamas Responsible for Gaza Situation

(State Department) State Department Spokesman Philip J. Crowley said Wednesday: "We have offered Hamas a spot at the table many, many times if Hamas will agree to very straightforward conditions - recognize Israel, recognize existing agreements, and give up violence against Israel. Those are not complex demands." "There are two stories here. There's a compelling and urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza. And there is a growing economy and a relatively stable situation that is improving every day in the West Bank. What is the difference between those two? It's not the difference of Palestinians who live in the West Bank and...in Gaza. It is the nature of the government that is currently ruling in the West Bank and was part of a unified government until Hamas changed the situation on the ground in Gaza. So let's put the responsibility where it clearly lies. It is Hamas' unwillingness to come to the table, to be a constructive force, to meet the international community or the Quartet's clear, straightforward conditions and play a constructive role in the region. That opportunity is available to Hamas. But because Hamas chooses, rather than serving the needs of its people, to fire rockets at Israel, that's the reason why you have the current situation in Gaza."
2010-06-10 08:36:51
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