New mediator between Hamas and Israel

Tony Blair’s mediation to reach a long-term truce between Hamas and Israel had failed and a new mediator has taken up the mission, Al-Khaleej Online reported a senior Hamas member as saying yesterday.

Member of Hamas political bureau Ziad Al-Zaza revealed that his movement insisted on having a written document outlining the Israeli obligations following an agreement.

“Israel refusal to give written pledges and the non-response of Israel and the other sides undermined Blair’s efforts,” he said, noting that Israel had ignored its obligations made in the ceasefire announced on 26 August 2014 which ended last year’s Israeli offensive on Gaza.

The official also revealed that there have been “many” mediators who exchanged messages between Hamas and Israel, including “senior” Arab and international envoys and Palestinian businessmen.

He also said that the current “active” mediator is the UN envoy Nikolay Mladenov who is “highly respected” by Hamas.

“This man is currently holding actual official meetings discussing several important files, mainly the truce, lifting the siege, opening crossings, internal reconciliation and rebuilding the Gaza Strip,” Al-Zaza said. “We hope his efforts succeed to achieve Palestinian interests and completely lift the siege.”

Al-Zaza stressed that Hamas would not concede any of the Palestinian rights in return for any development in the discussions.

“Hamas is still sticking to its stance – no truce at the expense of any political concession,” he said, “Hamas is clear regarding this issue. Any solution must keep up with the interests and rights of the Palestinians.”