Two of Israel’s ministers said the government should consider a truce with Hamas. One of them added that recognition of Israel should not be a vital requirement. However, Hamas had denied the group was exploring the idea. In response, Mr. Olmert said that they were in a real war in Gaza.
The Israeli government says that over 1,000 missiles and mortar bombs have been fired by Hamas from Gaza since the takeover in June. In the previous week, over 20 Palestinian militants have been killed by Israeli forces. Militants have come from both Hamas and the Islamic Jihad.
Currently, there have been negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority led by the Fatah party. There have been differences over topics such as Jewish settlements in Palestinian controlled territories.
In the case of Hamas, Mr. Olmert said the fight will continue.
“The State of Israel has no interest in holding negotiations with those that refuse to accept the basic principles of the Quartet,” Olmert said to his ministers. This is the Quarter of Middle East mediators.
So far, the Quartet has called upon Hamas to recognize Israel. However, the group still refuses to recognize the state of Israel.
The peace process in Annapolis has been rejected by Hamas.