Ayoon wa Azan (Hamas' Initiative)

Jihad Al Khazen     Al-Hayat     2003/06/30

We all know by now that Hamas' initiative to freeze its military actions for three months is linked to Israel's stopping its attacks and releasing the detainees. But how does Hamas explain its move?

Khaled Mishaal, head of the Hamas politburo, says the initiative to stop military actions is "primarily linked to the internal Palestinian situation, and secondly to protecting the Palestinian national unity and thirdly to preventing the enemy from exploding the Palestinian scene and hence harming our people."

Mr. Mishaal said that the initiative was unilateral, but that it was open for other parties to adhere to it, considering that discussions were conducted with and Fatah, and that there are still ongoing internal negotiations. But he expected the initiative to be declared within hours in the name of all those who accept it.

The head of Hamas' political wing insisted on the terms he imposed, saying that if the other party was not to abide by them, "then we shall release ourselves from any previous engagement." The latter was the answer to a question regarding the 8,000 detainees, 3,500 of whom are Hamas members.

Hamas says Abbas and his government, as well as Arafat, are all part of the initiative, not to mention other Arab camps, primarily Egypt. In fact, Egypt played a major role in mediating this initiative. The party adds that the other parties should exert pressure "on the Zionists to abide by the proposed terms and we shall keep our promises and take responsibility in exchange for having Western and European parties pressure the Americans and Israelis to stop their aggression on our people."

I also asked him if Hamas were to expand this initiative in case things go as expected, and he replied that this issue had not yet been discussed, as the initiative is set for a limited time and on clear terms. Hence, Hamas will decide its next move according to the developments.

I would like to say here that this initiative was the result of Arab and international pressures, especially American ones, as to start implementing the Roadmap. However, I was part of the discussions between Fatah and Hamas more than a year ago, who met to agree on stopping the military actions and forming a coalition government.

The negotiations also included Egypt as a mediator, and a famous meeting was held in Cairo, but did not lead to any results. Thus, another meeting was decided, while Fatah and Hamas remained in contact to reach an agreement that would stop Israel from pursuing its murders. These contacts are a major part of the initiative's background, as they came within the context of the Roadmap and the Palestinian government with Abbas for Prime Minister.

The fact that Mohamad Dahlan, head of security in the Palestinian government, was part of the negotiations with Hamas since the very first day might ease the implementation process, knowing that he did the best he could to reach an agreement on stopping military actions.

Although the agreement was hindered many a time, the dialogue never ceased and the latest initiative reflects the fact that Hamas understands the Arab, Palestinian and international political situation.

Mr. Khaled told me over the phone "we have no trust whatsoever in the enemy, and do not rely on him or deal with him. We trust God, our people and ourselves, as well as the Palestinians' right to fight. We shall prevail and gain our rights by depending on ourselves and on Arab and Islamic support."

He also demanded for this support to be maintained and hoped that Arab parties would not be fooled by American promises, not to mention that he called upon Europeans to remain distant from the American stand supporting Israel.

I hope that the strategy succeeds and be extended with the approval of all Palestinian parties, but my personal experience is not that encouraging. In fact, while following the negotiations between Fatah and Hamas, I noticed that each time they came close to an agreement, Ariel Sharon's government would carry out an assassination operation or an invasion. Eventually, I realized that it was no coincidence, and I expressed my doubts to Abbas before the government was formed, so he said: "you are a hundred… a million per cent right."

Today, Sharon is determined more than ever to destroy Hamas' initiative and any agreement to spread security as to implement the Roadmap. Hamas, Fatah, Jihad and all Palestinian groups are surely aware of this situation and capable of self-restraint.