Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Monday, 18 June 2007.

Israel and Palestine: Recognition

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have assessed the extent to which the Hamas political party and its Ministers in the Government of Palestine have given de facto recognition to Israel by their actions in (a) offering to discuss communications and transport between Gaza and the West Bank; (b) accepting the Mecca agreement; and (c) entering the Government of National Unity and accepting their platform; and, if so, what implications that has for the Government and the quartet.

Answer: Hamas has not yet made clear its position regarding recognition of Israel. We do not believe that, by offering to discuss a link between Gaza and the West Bank, accepting the Mecca agreement, entering the National Unity Government and accepting their platform, that Hamas has necessarily given de facto recognition of Israel. Despite these actions, Hamas has shown in other ways that it has not recognised Israel. We have repeatedly made clear that we are ready to engage with any Palestinian Government who are based on the quartet principles: renunciation of violence; recognition of Israel; and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the road map.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4232; 693 c17WA
Session: 2006-07
Subjects: Recognition of states Israel Palestine Middle East Peace negotiations Hamas
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk