Halting ongoing peace negotiations with the Palestinians will simply play into the hands of the Islamic Hamas movement, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni was quoted by local daily Yedioth Ahronoth as saying on Monday.
Responding to criticism by Israeli opposition factions over government's decision to continue talks with the Palestinians despite rocket fire from Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, Livni said "it is our duty to create a better future for the children of Sderot and the children of Israel" during a no-confidence discussion at the Knesset (Parliament).
"If there are no talks, will terror stop?" Livni asked the Knesset plenum, adding "If negotiations are halted, this will leave the playing field entirely in Hamas' hands."
Livni stressed that she represents Israel's interests, saying "I don't walk into the negotiating room like a Santa Claus bearing gifts for the Palestinians."
She said negotiations would continue in order to create a better future for Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said earlier on Monday that Hamas was responsible for everything taking place in the Gaza Strip. He stated that Israel will continue to impose sanctions upon Gaza in a controlled manner so as not to create a humanitarian crisis.
Olmert pledged on Sunday that he will make every effort to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians this year. "I hope the negotiating part of the basic principles can still be achieved in 2008," he said, adding that waiting longer would encourage more radical elements among the Palestinians, especially Hamas.
Source: Xinhua
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