Hamas Media Spokesman Contacts Israeli Deputy Defence Minister to Discuss Ceasefire, Israel Refuses

21 September 2007

Bethlehem – Ma'an – Ma'an news agency has learnt from unofficial Israeli sources that contact between the offices of the de facto Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh and that of the Israeli Defence Minister, Ehud Barak was made last week.

The contact occurred before the Israeli cabinet meeting declared the Gaza Strip an "enemy entity" and threatened to cut off electricity and water supplies.

The Israeli radio station, the Voice of Israel, mentioned that a prominent member of Haniyeh's office contacted a prominent Israeli in the Defence Ministry, through an intermediary, to negotiate the ceasing of rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into Israel.

However, Ma'an can reveal that some form of communication took place between Ghazi Hamad, media spokesman for Haniyeh's office and Matan Falna'i, deputy defence minister.

The sources told Ma'an that Hamad asked to talk to Falna'i directly and that Falna'i promised he would consider it.

But after the Israeli cabinet's declaration of Hamas as an enemy organization Falna'i said he would not be able to communicate directly with Hamad.

The sources also told Ma'an that Hamas will not back down or stop firing rockets from the Gaza Strip before the siege on the crossings into the Gaza Strip is lifted.

The Israeli government refused to negotiate with Haniyeh to reach a truce in the Gaza Strip because the Knesset Member (MK), Yossi Beilin considered the Israeli decision irresponsible, saying that Israel is indifferent to the plight of the residents of Sderot, the Negev, the Gaza Strip and to the captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Beilin added that the Israeli government does not have any other solution and they should accept the Hamas offer of a truce.

Israel can negotiate with Hamas through a third party, but official negotiations would be with the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO).

Hamad completely denied trying to communicate with the Israeli deputy defence minister. He told Ma'an, "I did not communicate or implement any communication with any Israeli party."

Israeli officials were unavailable for comment.