BICOM

A US official said yesterday that any Palestinian government must renounce violence, acknowledge past peace deals and recognise Israel’s right to exist. Commenting on the reports that Fatah and Hamas had struck a reconciliation unity government deal, the US State Department released a statement yesterday saying that it supports a reconciliation deal on terms that promote the cause for peace. “To play a constructive role, any Palestinian government must accept the Quartet principles by renouncing violence, accepting past agreements, and recognising Israel’s right to exist,” the statement read.

In addition, the White House said it is seeking more information on the deal and noted that it classified Hamas as a terrorist organisation. “The United States supports Palestinian reconciliation on terms which promote the cause of peace. Hamas, however, is a terrorist organisation which targets civilians,” White House Spokesperson Tommy Vietor said.