NEDUMBASSERY: Israel Consul General in India Daniel Zohar Zonshine has said that his country's approach towards the new Palestinian Government will depend on the policies to be adopted by Hamas, the militant outfit that dominates the new Government after its surprise victory over the Fateh led by President Mahmoud Abbas.

Talking to reporters here on Monday, he urged the international community to be firm against Hamas. He said that Hamas should not be allowed to play a double game whereby it continue accepting aid from the West and at the same time persist with its extremist methods.

Mr. Zonshine said that Israel could not be expected to hold negotiation with a leadership that sends suicide bombers to its territory. He, however, said that the vast majority of people in both the countries were peace loving and does not want to be suicide bombers nor victims. "We cannot choose our neighbours," he said and urged the leaders to show the way for the people towards a peaceful settlement.

He said that India's stand on Palestine cause had not affected its relations with Israel.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail