Palestinian Hamas leader accepts new terms for peace with Israel. Ismail Haniyeh, leader of the Hamas party in Gaza, Palestine, held a rare press conference in which he stated the Hamas group would abide by the outcome of a vote amongst Palestinians on a future peace treaty with Israel. Mr. Haniyeh stated, “We will accept the outcome of any referendum, even if it contradicts our policies and convictions.” He asked that such a proposal include Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank as well as those living outside the region in places such as refugee camps in Lebanon. He also emphasized that the Hamas party’s policies in Gaza included encouragement toward all parties to promote diplomacy with Israel and abide by a lasting cease fire.

Our respectful appreciation, Your Excellency, for your willingness to abide by a majority vote to advance harmonious Israeli-Palestinian relations. May such a declaration bring closer the day that brotherly relations and lasting peace prevail across the Middle East.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6B02ND20101201
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/02/world/middleeast/02gaza.html