¨Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has affirmed this principle while also calling Israel's creation a crime.

¨Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas does not oppose armed struggle.

¨Palestinians continue to obstruct the normalization of relations between Arab/Islamic nations and Israel.

¨Hamas remains committed to Israel’s destruction.

“In a speech in Damascus, Hamas leader Khaled Meshal on Sunday played down talk of potential compromise and said the Arab states should renew their demands for the ‘liberation’ of Palestinian land ‘from the sea to the river.’” — Washington Post, October 12, 2009.

“[Ismail] Haniyya said that Hamas will never recognize Israel and ‘will remain steadfast, protecting the blood of the martyrs... We vow before God, we vow to you, we vow to the martyrs, the detainees and their families, we will remain steadfast,’ Haniyya stated, ‘The resistance will prevail until liberating the land, until liberating Jerusalem.’” — IMEMC News, August 14, 2009.

“Mr. Abbas said Israel's position could lead to more conflict. ‘Although we have chosen peace,’ he said,‘we reserve the right to return to armed resistance.’” — VOANews, August 8, 2009.

“Fatah has never recognized Israel's right to exist and it has no intention of ever doing so, a veteran senior leader of the Western-backed faction said.... Rafik Natsheh, member of the Fatah Central Committee who also serves as chairman of the faction's disciplinary ‘court,’ is the second senior official in recent months to make similar statements regarding Israel.” — Jerusalem Post, July 23, 2009.

“‘The visit has not led to a significant change. Hamas finds the conditions unacceptable," [Ahmed Youssef, the deputy Hamas foreign minister] said. ‘Recognizing Israel is completely unacceptable.’ According to Hamas ideology, there is no room for a Jewish state in an Islamic Middle East. The militant group has sent dozens of suicide bombers into Israel, killing hundreds.” — Washington Post, June 17, 2009.

“Hamas spokesperson, Fawzi Barhoum, stated that Abbas’ term in office had already expired; therefore he cannot sign an agreement with any country, including understandings with the United States and Israel.” — IMEMC, May 26, 2009.

“Khaled Meshal, who lives in Syria, called a two-state solution unacceptable because Hamas cannot envision living with Israel in peace and security.” — United Press International, Inc., May 9, 2009.

“[Khaled Meshal] repeated that he would not recognize Israel, saying to fellow Arab leaders, ‘There is only one enemy in the region, and that is Israel.’” — New York Times, May 4, 2009.

“‘I say this clearly: I do not accept the Jewish State, call it what you will,’ [Mahmoud Abbas] said at a preliminary conference of the Palestinian Youth Parliament in Ramallah. At the end of the conference, Abbas was presented with a large framed map of ‘Palestine,’ covering the entire area of Israel.” — Palestinian Media Watch, April 28, 2009.

“Former Fatah security commander Muhammad Dahlan on Tuesday called on Hamas not to recognize Israel's right to exist, pointing out that Fatah had never recognized it.” — Jerusalem Post, March 17, 2009.

“Hamas rejected a call by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the Islamic group to recognize the state of Israel, and said her request was unacceptable to the Palestinians.” —Jerusalem Post, February 28, 2009.

“Gaza is not our goal....The liberation of all of Palestine, from the river to the sea, God willing, will be achieved.” — Hamas leader Ismail Radwan, AP, January 20, 2009.

“Hamas declared on Wednesday that it would not accept any permanent cease-fire with Israel.” —Jerusalem Post, January 7, 2009.

“Peace can be achieved only if Israel withdraws to the last centimeter of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967.” — Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qurei, Jerusalem Post, December 13, 2008.

¨Hamas and Israel agree to a cease fire in Gaza effective June 19, 2008.

¨Abbas and Olmert agreed to a cease fire at the end of November 2006.

¨Abbas and Sharon agreed to declare an end to hostilities during a summit in Egypt.

¨Palestinians continue to threaten violence if their demands aren't met.

¨Even after Israel withdraws completely from Gaza, Palestinians continue to fire rockets into Israel on an almost daily basis.

The following are a sample of the most recent violations:

“Just as IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi spoke of the quiet in the South being a testament to the success of Operation Cast Lead, tensions threatened to flare once against on the Gaza front, with Palestinians firing a Kassam rocket into Israel after the IDF killed a suspected terrorist near the border fence. The rocket landed in an open area in the Sdot Negev region, causing no casualties or damage.” — Jerusalem Post, November 13, 2009.

“A Katyusha-type rocket landed in an Upper Galilee kibbutz on Tuesday evening, causing no casualties.” — Jerusalem Post, October 27, 2009.

“Hours after an IAF strike in the northern Gaza Strip killed three members of a terrorist cell, Palestinians fired several Kassam rockets into southern Israel on Saturday morning. The rockets struck open areas in the Eshkol region, causing no casualties.” — Jerusalem Post, September 25, 2009.

“A Qassam rocket fired from the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday morning hit an open area in the Eshkol Regional Council in southern Israel.” — Ynet, September 24, 2009.

“At around midnight Sunday, Israel Air Force planes attacked three weapon smuggling tunnels in southern Gaza. The IDF said the strike was carried out in response to the firing of Qassam rockets at Israel on Saturday night.” — Ynet, September 24, 2009.

“Israel Air Force warplanes bombed two weapons-smuggling tunnels in the southern Gaza Strip early Sunday, shortly after Palestinian militants in the Hamas-ruled territory fired a Qassam rocket into the Negev.” — Haaretz, June 14, 2009.

“After a period of relative calm in south Israel, a Qassam rocket fired from the northern Gaza Strip landed in the courtyard of a house in Sderot Tuesday afternoon, causing slight damage to several adjacent structures.” — Ynet, May 19, 2009.

“A Kassam rocket fired by terrorists in the Gaza Strip hit the Eshkol region in the western Negev on Thursday morning.” — Jerusalem Post, May 7, 2009.

“Palestinian terrorists on Wednesday morning fired three mortar shells at the Sha'ar Hanegev region.” — Jerusalem Post, May 6, 2009.

“The IAF bombed two smuggling tunnels in two separate air strikes in the southern Gaza Strip on Friday afternoon.... The air strikes came a day after a Kassam rocket fired by Palestinian terrorists in the Strip hit the Eshkol region.” — Jerusalem Post, May 1, 2009.

“A Kassam rocket fired by Palestinian terrorists in Gaza landed near a kibbutz in the Sha'ar Hanegev region on Thursday night.” — Jerusalem Post, April 23, 2009.

“IDF soldiers thwarted an attack against Israeli forces Tuesday morning when they prevented a Palestinian attempt to place an explosive device on the Gaza border.” — Ynet, March 31, 2009.

“A Qassam rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit the Ashkelon area Tuesday afternoon, after ten days of quiet.” — Haaretz, March 24, 2009.

“Palestinian terrorists in Gaza continued to attack Israeli civilian areas on Sunday morning, firing four Kassam rockets at the South. Two of the rockets hit the Eshkol region and two struck the Sdot Negev area. No one was wounded, and no damage was reported.” — Jerusalem Post, March 8, 2009.

“A Kassam rocket slammed into an open field south of Ashkelon overnight Thursday, causing no casualties or damage. Earlier on Thursday evening, a Grad rocket struck near a synagogue in Netivot, causing minor damage, but no casualties.” — Jerusalem Post, March 4, 2009.

“A barrage of Kassam rockets and mortar shells pounded the western Negev on Thursday....” — Jerusalem Post, March 4, 2009.

“Palestinians in the Gaza Strip fired at least five projectiles at southern Israel on Saturday, with a Grad-type rocket hitting and heavily damaging an Asheklon school.” — Jerusalem Post, February 27, 2009.

“A Qassam rocket fired from the northern Gaza Strip landed in an open area between the Sdot Negev and Sha'ar Hanegev regional councils.” — Ynet, February 27, 2009.

“Two Qassam rockets fired from the Gaza Strip on Wednesday morning hit open areas in the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council.” — Ynet, February 25, 2009.

“Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip on Sunday fired two mortar rounds at Israel Defense Forces soldiers near the border.” — Haaretz, February 22, 2009.

“Palestinian gunmen on Friday morning fired 10 mortar shells at IDF troops who were operating near the Kissufim crossing to the Gaza Strip.” — Jerusalem Post, February 19, 2009.

“A Kassam rocket landed in the Sha'ar Hangev region, followed by two Grad-type rockets in Netivot - the first time long-range rockets were fired at the city since the end of Operation Cast Lead.” — Jerusalem Post, February 11, 2009.

“While the talks for truce between Israel and Hamas and for release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit go on in Cairo, western Negev communities continue to be hit by rockets: Two Qassams were fired at the western Negev on Monday morning.” — Ynet, February 17, 2009.

“With party leaders in Israel distracted by urgent coalition talks immediately following the elections on Tuesday, Palestinians took advantage of the opportunity to fire mortar shells at the western Negev.” — Jerusalem Post, February 11, 2009.

“A day after a Hamas delegation left Egypt without an agreement on a long-term Gaza truce, terrorists in the Strip fired two rockets at southern Israel.” — Jerusalem Post, February 6, 2009.

“Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday launched a mortar shell at southern Israel, which exploded in the Eshkol Regional Council.” — Haaretz, February 4, 2009.

“A long-range Grad rocket fired by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip has landed in the city of Ashkelon.” — BBC, February 3, 2009.

“Gaza terrorists resumed their attacks on southern Israeli civilian areas on Monday night, firing a Kassam rocket that hit a kibbutz in the Sha'ar Hanegev region.” — Jerusalem Post, February 2, 2009.

“After a day of ceasefire breaches which saw at least 15 rockets land in Israeli territory, IAF planes struck at multiple targets in Khan Yunis and Rafah late Sunday evening.” — Jerusalem Post, February 1, 2009.

“Two Kassam rockets fired from the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning fell in open areas near the town of Sderot.” — Jerusalem Post, January 29, 2009.

“A day after Gaza operatives breached the cease-fire with a deadly bomb attack along the border, terrorists in the Strip fired a Kassam rocket at southern Israel on Wednesday night.” — Jerusalem Post, January 28, 2009.

“Gaza terrorists continued to attack southern Israeli civilian areas on Sunday afternoon, despite the fact that the Israeli unilateral cease-fire had already been in effect since early that morning. In the latest attack, a women sustained light shrapnel wounds in her hand when a Grad rocket hit the yard of an Ashdod house. In total, some 13 rockets and four mortar shells were fired at southern Israel since the truce took effect at 2 a.m. Sunday morning.” — Jerusalem Post, January 18, 2009.

“Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip on Thursday fired a barrage of some 22 rockets at Israel.” — Haaretz, January 15, 2009.

“Palestinian terrorists continued to attack Israeli civilian areas on Wednesday, firing 18 projectiles by late afternoon, including a phosphorous mortar shell that hit the Eshkol region.” — Jerusalem Post, January 14, 2009.

“Gaza militants fired 12 rockets and four mortar shells at Israel's southern communities on Tuesday morning.” — Haaretz, January 13, 2009.

“Since Monday morning a total of 15 rockets and two mortar shells landed in southern Israel.” — Ynet, January 12, 2009.

“Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired a barrage of at least 20 rockets at southern Israel on Friday, just hours after the United Nations passed a resolution calling for an immediate truce between Israel and Hamas....At least 30 rockets struck the Negev on Thursday, leaving four people wounded and a number more suffering from shock.” — Haaretz, January 9, 2009.

“Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip on Wednesday fired at least 13rockets into Israel's southern communities, including Be'er Sheva and Ashkelon.” — Haaretz, January 7, 2009.

“A three-month old baby girl sustained light shrapnel wounds on Tuesday morning when a Grad rocket hit a residential building in Gedera. In total, 23 rockets had hit civilian areas in southern Israel by early Tuesday afternoon.” — Jerusalem Post, January 6, 2009.

“Hamas continued its rocketing of innocent Israeli civilians on Monday afternoon, lightly wounding nine people when it fired two Grad rockets at Ashkelon....Some 30 rockets had been fired at the South by mid afternoon....On Sunday, around 50 rockets were fired into southern Israel....Due to the continuing attacks, schools, kindergartens and other educational institutions within a 40-kilometer range from Gaza remained closed Monday.” — Jerusalem Post, January 5, 2009.

“Hours after IDF troops and tanks entered the Gaza Strip, Palestinian terrorists continued bombarding southern Israel, firing some 25 rockets and mortar shells at the western Negev on Sunday morning.” — Jerusalem Post, January 4, 2009.

“A Grad rocket fired by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip on Thursday scored a direct hit on an eight-floor residential building in the northern Negev city of Ashdod, nearly 40 kilometers from the Hamas-ruled coastal territory. More than 20 rockets were fired at the Negev on Thursday....” — Haaretz, January 1, 2009.

“Gaza terrorists continued to pound southern Israel Wednesday on the fifth day of IDF Operation Cast Lead, firing some 60 rockets at civilian areas and lightly wounding four people in attacks on Ashkelon and Ashdod.” — Jerusalem Post. December 30, 2008.

“Palestinian terrorists continued to rocket southern Israel Tuesday afternoon, bringing the total number of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip to over 30 since morning.” — Jerusalem Post. December 30, 2008.

“Gaza terrorists fired over 50 rockets at southern Israel Monday, the latest two hitting open areas in the Eshkol region, causing no casualties or damage. Earlier Monday, Hanni Al-Mahdi, 27, of the Beduin town Aroer in the Negev, was killed and at least 14 people were wounded when a Grad-type missile hit a construction site in Ashkelon's city center.” — Jerusalem Post. December 29, 2008.

“Over 35 rockets were fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip on Sunday, as two of the projectiles, reported to be Grad-type rockets - landed near Ashdod, some 40 kilometers from Gaza....In the afternoon, two Grad rockets also hit Ashkelon, lightly wounding wo people and causing minor damage. Eight more residents were evacuated to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon and treated for shock. In the Eshkol region, one person was lightly wounded when a rocket hit the roof of a building in a kibbutz.” — Jerusalem Post. December 28, 2008.

“Beber Vaknin, 58, of Netivot was killed when a Kassam rocket struck an apartment building, and five other Israelis sustained light to serious wounds after rockets hit a synagogue in southern Israel on Saturday, 27 December. Hamas' armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for the deadly attack in Netivot.” — Israeli Foreign Ministry

“Gaza terrorists fired four Kassam rockets at the western Negev on Tuesday, the first attacks after a day-long informal cease-fire.” — Jerusalem Post. December 23, 2008.

“Three people were wounded Wednesday during a tough day in southern Israel that saw more than 20 rockets fired at Negev communities.” — Ynet, December 17, 2008

“Palestinians continued to attack southern Israel on Saturday, firing two Grad-type rockets, two Kassam rockets and three mortar shells into the Negev throughout the day.” — Jerusalem Post, December 6, 2008

“A Qassam rocket fired from the northern Gaza Strip landed in an open area near Sderot on Thursday evening.” — Ynet, December 4, 2008.

“Palestinian gunmen fired two Qassam rockets from Gaza on Tuesday. One rocket landed near a town in Shaar HaNegev Regional Council, and the other fell in Eshkol Regional Council.” — Ynet, December 2, 2008.

“A Qassam rocket exploded Monday afternoon in an open area near a kibbutz south of the city of Ashkelon.” — Ynet, December 1, 2008.

“Hamas is adamant the truce is not over – but it feels decidedly otherwise for Sderot's residents. A Qassam rocket launched from northern Gaza landed in an open area in the town on Sunday afternoon. Another rocket landed in the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council. In addition a barrage of five mortar shells landed in open areas in the Eshkol Regional Council.

On Saturday, surgeons at Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon were forced to amputate the leg of 21-year-old Noam Nikash of Beersheba, one of eight soldiers wounded by a Palestinian mortar shell attack on a Nahal Oz IDF base the previous night. The seven other troops, including two female soldiers, were lightly to moderately hurt in the attack.” — Jerusalem Post, November 28, 2008; Ynet, November 30, 2008.

“A Qassam rocket launched from northern Gaza Monday evening landed on the coast near Ashkelon, adjacent to an Ashkelon suburb.” — Ynet, November 24, 2008.

“Three Qassam rockets were fired at the western Negev on Saturday.” — Haaretz, November 22, 2008.

“A Qassam rocket fired from the northern Gaza Strip on Friday morning landed in an open area in the city of Ashkelon's southern industrial zone.” — Ynet, November 21, 2008.

“Palestinians in the Gaza Strip fired three Kassam rockets and two mortar shells at the western Negev on Tuesday afternoon.” — Jerusalem Post, November 17, 2008.

“Palestinian terrorists in Gaza fired three Kassam rockets at the western Negev on Monday afternoon.” — Jerusalem Post, November 17, 2008.

“Palestinians fired a Kassam rocket at Sderot on Sunday evening, lightly wounding one man and sending two people into shock....Earlier on Sunday, two rockets landed in the Eshkol Regional Council near a kibbutz.” — Jerusalem Post, November 17, 2008.

“Five Grad-type Katyusha rockets were fired at the region, one of which hit the city center and another that landed on its outskirts. Three more struck open areas. Shortly afterwards, another Kassam rocket landed in a kibbutz in the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council. Also, a mortar shell exploded near the Kissufim area. Three people were sent into shock as a result of the attack and were evacuated to Ashkelon's Barzilai Hospital. Earlier Friday, Gaza terrorists fired ten Kassams at the South, one of which lightly wounded an elderly woman in a Sha'ar Hanegev kibbutz..” — Jerusalem Post, November 13, 2008.

“Two Kassam rockets landed in the western Negev last night.” — Jerusalem Post, November 12, 2008.

“Southerners woke up to another day of rocket attacks Friday as Palestinian terrorists fired five Kassams at western Negev neighborhoods....The rockets landed in the Sderot, Eshkol and Sha'ar Hanegev regions.” — Jerusalem Post, November 7, 2008.

“More than 30 Kassam rockets were fired at southern Israel after an IDF operation in the Gaza Strip....Three of the Kassams damaged greenhouses in the western Negev, and two Kassams fell in Ashkelon, one in a residential neighborhood.” — JTA, November 5, 2008.

¨Abbas has explicitly said he would not disarm terrorist groups or dismantle their infrastructure.

¨Abbas has said he will stop attacks on Israel.

¨Abbas has also said he will not use force to confront terror.

¨Hamas rejects Abbas’s orders.

“Gazans will continue to smuggle arms despite international efforts to stop them, Hamas parliamentarian Moushir al-Masri announced on Saturday.Al-Masri, responding to a Friday decision by several NATO member nations to help stop arms smuggling to Gaza, said 'any attempts to eliminate the Palestinian peoples' right to resistance will fail in the face of the peoples' determination.'” — Ynet news, March 14, 2009.

“The American officers responsible for monitoring Israeli and Palestinian compliance with the road map peace plan recently criticized the Palestinian Authority's counterterrorism efforts....Specifically, the Americans are concerned that the PA does not engage in the full spectrum of counterterrorism activities, including arrests, interrogation and trial, as it would if it were trying to eradicate the armed wings of Islamic terrorist organizations.” — Haaretz, March 28, 2008.

“Incoming Palestinian interior minister Saeed Seyam, chosen by Hamas to oversee three security services, said on Thursday he will not order the arrest of militants carrying out attacks against Israel.” — Reuters, March 23, 2006.

“IDF forces killed early Thursday at least two terrorists belonging to Islamic Jihad’s armed wing as they were attempting to place a bomb along the security fence in central Gaza.” — Ynet news, March 23, 2006.

“On Sunday, IDF soldiers arrested two Palestinians at the Beit Iba checkpoint north of Nablus after discovering in their possession a 15-kilogram explosive device.” — Haaretz, March 13, 2006.

“The defense establishment has identified a joint effort by Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah to initiate a new wave of terror....Security sources told Haaretz that the Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah headquarters in Damascus and Beirut were streaming large sums of money into the territories to spur on terror cells to carry out attacks.” — Haaretz, February 6, 2006.

“IDF forces operating in Jenin this weekend surrounded a headquarters for Palestinian military intelligence following information that several wanted Islamic Jihad terrorists were hiding in the building....The Palestinian commander admitted that he had aided the Islamic Jihad terrorists, who had hidden in the building overnight.” — IDF, January 3, 2006.

“A Palestinian suicide bomber killed five people outside an Israeli falafel stand. Islamic Jihad claimed reponsibility for Wednesday´s attack on Hadera, calling it "revenge" for Israel´s killing earlier in the week of its top West Bank commander in an army raid. At least 33 people were also wounded by the terrorist, who blew himself up in the town´s outdoor market. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas issued a condemnation.” — JTA, October 27, 2005.

“Abbas's national security advisor, Jibril Rajoub, denied on Tuesday that the PA was planning to disarm Hamas or any other armed group. ‘We haven't called for disarming anyone,’ Rajoub said. ‘There is no decision to collect [illegal] weapons and we haven't taken any steps in this direction.’” — Jerusalem Post, October 18, 2005.

“Palestinian Authority police were given orders Thursday to round up guns from terrorist factions and, thereafter, to arrest anyone seen in public with an unlicensed weapon....The round-up of weapons, while likely to be welcomed by Israel, falls short of the Palestinian Authority’s obligation under the U.S.-led ‘road map’ to dismantle terrorist groups.” — JTA, September 30, 2005.

“The Palestinian Authority on Wednesday rejected an appeal from the Quartet to dismantle armed militias and called on the international community to stop meddling in the Palestinians' internal affairs....PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas dismissed the appeal, saying the Palestinians knew how to handle their own affairs. ‘With regard to the issue of the armed Palestinian groups and our dealings with them, this is an internal affair.’”— Jerusalem Post, September 22, 2005.

“The Palestinian Authority on Saturday released two men jailed in connection with the February 25 suicide bombing at the Stage club in Tel Aviv, in a bid to persuade Islamic Jihad to abide by the unofficial truce with Israel.” — Jerusalem Post, June 11, 2005.

¨PA Interior Minister Abdel Razzak Yahya, who is formally in charge of the Fatah-controlled security forces in the West Bank, said that the PA was determined to disarm all armed groups as required by the road map plan for peace in the Middle East.

¨Similar orders given in the past were never implemented.

¨Militant factions vow resistance to surrendering weapons, and use the cease-fire period to enhance their weapons’ arsenal.

“Several Palestinian armed groups on Sunday rejected attempts by the Palestinian Authority to confiscate their weapons, vowing to thwart such moves.” — Jerusalem Post, November 18, 2007.

“Khaled Mashaal, whose group has carried out dozens of deadly suicide attacks on Israelis over the years, also restated Hamas' rejection of U.S. and Israeli demands to disarm.” — AP, November 30, 2005.

“Defying a Palestinian Authority ban on public displays of weapons, about 1,000 people brandishing assault rifles and rocket launchers marched through Gaza City on Thursday and vowed to hold on to their arms. Members of the Al Aksa Martyrs' Brigades, fired into the air while their leaders made speeches insisting on the right to bear arms against Israel.” — Jerusalem Post, November 17, 2005.

“The Palestinian Authority announced on Sunday a security plan aimed at disbanding the armed wing of Fatah and recruiting hundreds of its members to the security forces....It was also unclear Sunday night whether all Fatah militiamen had accepted the plan....the plan is directed first and foremost towards Fatah's armed wing, the Aksa Martyrs Brigades, whose members are largely responsible for the current state of lawlessness and anarchy in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.” — Jerusalem Post, October 23, 2005.

“Thousands of Hamas terrorists paraded with weapons through the streets of Gaza City on Sunday in the group's largest show of force in years, defying Palestinian efforts to ban public arms displays.” — Ynetnews.com, September 19, 2005.

“Abbas ruled out disarming Hamas, saying any such attempt "would be a useless move destined to plunge us into a civil war.” — Jerusalem Post, September 12, 2005.

“Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Nasser al-Kidwa declared on Saturday that the PA has no intention to disarm armed Palestinian groups as demanded by the road map peace plan.” — Jerusalem Post, (June 11, 2005)

“We are committed to resistance and will not consent to any dismantling of resistance groups and laying down arms before the occupation leaves our land.” — Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal told Al-Jazeera TV, AP, May 26

“The Palestinian Authority reiterated Wednesday it had no intention of disarming militants despite constant Israeli calls for such a move and a recent pledge to crack down on unlicensed weapons.” — Reuters, May 4, 2005.

“‘As far as I know, the Palestinians have completed gathering the weapons of wanted militants in Jericho,’ [head of Israeli military intelligence] Maj. Gen. Aharon Ze’evi told Israel Radio on Thursday, according to Ha’aretz. But P.A. President Mahmoud Abbas has ‘no intention of using force against Hamas and collecting its weapons,’ Ze’evi said.” — JTA, May 6, 2005.

“Palestinians told [Israel Radio Arab Affair Correspondent Avi Yissakharov] that while the PA has made announcements regarding the collection of weapons that in fact the weapons have yet to be collected.” — Israel Radio, April 19, 2005.

“Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said Tuesday that his security forces have collected the weapons of all the fugitives in Jericho and Tulkarm - the cities which were transferred recently to Palestinian security control. Abbas further assured that arms would be confiscated in all cities that would be transferred to PA control, including weapons in the hands of Hamas members.” — Jerusalem Post, April 19, 2005.

“Only policemen and security personnel will be allowed to carry weapons.” — President Mahmoud Abbas, Jerusalem Post, January 27, 2005.

“We agreed to hide our weapons, to keep them out of public view, but we are not going to hand them over to the Palestinian Authority," said Kamal Ghanem, an Al-Aqsa Brigades fugitive....[Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman] said a demand that gunmen hand over their weapons ‘is not acceptable.’” — Associated Press,  April 6, 2005.

¨Abbas has acknowledged the need for such consolidation, and has said he will merge the security forces into three organizations. He has not yet done so.

¨The Palestinian Authority has been unable to impose law and order and the areas under its control have grown increasingly chaotic.

“It is a well-known fact that the vast majority of incidents that create the chaotic security situation in the territories originate with the security forces themselves....Abu Mazen has tried to compromise, mediate and outline agreements with the heads of the security services, but in practice, it turned out that he is incapable of controlling them and imposing security reforms.” — Haaretz, November 29, 2005.

“Palestinian Authority policemen went on a rampage in Nablus....The incident is the latest sign of growing anarchy and lawlessness in Nablus and other Palestinian communities.” — Jerusalem Post, September 19, 2005.

“Hundreds of members of the dominant Palestinian Fatah movement began training in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday for what they said would be a popular army to help keep law and order after Israel withdraws this month....It was far from clear how any new force might fit into the security structure and appeared certain to add to the current jumble of at least a dozen forces, many divided by deep rivalries and with a poor history of cooperation.” — Reuters, August 2, 2005.

“Some 50 members of the Palestinian Authority's Military Intelligence Force on Wednesday blocked main roads and stormed public buildings in the Gaza Strip in protest against the PA's decision to reconstruct the Palestinian security forces. Armed with AK 47 assault rifles, the protesters also raided the offices of the Palestinian Legislative Council in Rafah, demanding that the PA rescind its decision.” – Jerusalem Post, June 1, 2005.

“We will also work towards merging the security forces into three organizations” – Jerusalem Post, January 27, 2005.

¨Abbas has agreed to pay government subsidies to the families of terrorists.

“On the very day of a suicide bombing in Netanya, it has been reported that the chairman of the Palestinian Authority gave budgetary approval to assistance for the families of suicide bombers.    Each martyr's family will receive a monthly stipend of at least $250 from the PA.” — News First Class (Hebrew), December 5, 2005.

“Mahmoud Abbas has agreed to unfreeze Hamas funds held in a number of Palestinian banks.” — Jerusalem Post, February 14, 2005.

“The U.S. hopes the PA will cooperate with Israel to halt the flow of money to terrorist organizations, Undersecretary of the Treasury Stuart Levey, who heads the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, said Monday during a visit to the region.” — Haaretz,  February 15, 2005.

¨Abbas has asserted his intention to reduce incitement, and initial actions are underway.

¨Abbas called Israel the “Zionist enemy” during his election campaign.

¨Incitement continues to be found in P.A. institutions, including the media.

“The distribution of anti-Israeli anti-Semitic hate propaganda continues throughout the Palestinian Authority (PA)–administered territories. Although both the electronic and printed PA-controlled media have lowered the tone of their hate propaganda under Abu Mazen, the Palestinian terrorist organizations (and other Palestinian elements) have found alternative methods for distributing its (often anti-Semitic) propaganda and inculcating incitement to hatred and violence among Palestinians. The PA has limited the diffusion of such messages by its official media, but does not take effective steps to stop it as part of its policy of not confronting the Palestinian terrorist organizations.” — Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at the Center for Special Studies, December 5, 2005.

“Following The Jerusalem Post's report Tuesday that Palestinian textbooks contained references to the Protocols of the Elders of Zion as an integral part’ of Zionist history, the Palestinian Authority has promised to remove the mention from future textbooks.”— Jerusalem Post,  July 14, 2005.

“Palestinian Minister of Civil Affairs Mohamed Dahlan accused on Wednesday the Jewish settlers for poisoning the lands in the settlements that Israel is intending to evacuate in mid August.” — People's Daily Online ,  June 29, 2005.

“Following the Revelations on the Israel Resource Review on April 30th, 2005 and May 1st, 2005 (www.IsraelBehindTheNews.com) that the official Palestinian Authority media has been alleging that Israeli soldiers have been murdering women at checkpoints with the use of radiation equipment, the office of the Israeli Prime Minister commented that ‘The Government of Israel rejects such charges in no uncertain terms and sees this Palestinian statement as part of an orchestrated campaign of incitement against the state and people of Israel.’”

“The Palestinian Authority has decided to impose restrictions on preachers who deliver sermons in West Bank and Gaza Strip mosques...The move is seen as an attempt by the PA leadership to stop incitement against Israel and the US in mosques.”— Jerusalem Post,  March 9, 2005.

“Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom told the Israeli Cabinet Sunday that there has been a substantial change in the content of Palestinian television broadcasts in the past few days. ‘This is evident in the end of inciting broadcasts," he said. However, "the change must be deeper and include public awareness, starting with the education system, universities and so on, where the change in content is not yet evident.’”— Haaretz,  February 7, 2005.

“Palestinan television has been ordered to cleanse its screens of bloody imagery by the newly elected president, Mahmoud Abbas, to chime with a new mood of ‘peacemaking'' in the region.’” — Telegraph,  February 6, 2005.

¨Abbas appointed Salam Fayed as the new Prime Minister to replace Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh.

“Salam Fayed is a former World Bank economist, he ran as the head of a third way group of independents in the elections that actually brought Hamas to power, then the Hamas-led government was boycotted by the international community, but when Hamas and Fatah formed a unity government in March, Salam Fayed was named the finance minister, and the US and the EU resumed contact, at least through him.” — AM, June 16, 2007.

¨Implemented.

“In my vision of peace, in this small land of ours, two peoples live freely, side-by-side, in amity and mutual respect.  Each will have its own flag, its own national anthem, its own government.  Neither will threaten the security or survival of the other.” — Prime Minister Netanyahu, Speech at the Begin-Sadat Center at Bar-Ilan University, June 14, 2009.

“I extend my hand in peace to Mahmoud Abbas, elected President of the Palestinian Authority. On behalf of the State of Israel, we are willing to negotiate with a Palestinian Authority.” - Prime Minister Olmert Speech to Congress, May 24, 2006.

“Mr. Sharon also spoke ‘about the Palestinian independent democratic state’ and ‘about the occupation, never to be an occupier anymore,’ Mr. Abbas said.” — New York Times, February 14, 2005.

“In today’s Government decision [in favor of disengagement], Israel proved that it is willing to make painful compromises and take great steps towards achieving peace. I said that many times, and I would like to repeat it today.” — Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, February 20, 2005.

“To our Palestinian neighbors, I assure you that we have a genuine intention to respect your right to live independently and in dignity. I have already said that Israel has no desire to continue to govern over you and control your fate. We in Israel have had to painfully wake up from our dreams, and we are determined to overcome all the obstacles which might stand in our path in order to realize the new chance which has been created.” — Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, February 8, 2005.

“For their part, the Palestinians can then also live in dignity and freedom in an independent state, and, together with us, enjoy good neighborly relations, while cooperating for the good of both our peoples..” — Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, December 16, 2004.

“We can also reassure our Palestinian partners that we understand the importance of territorial contiguity in the West Bank for a viable Palestinian state.” — Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, June 4, 2003.

“It is in Israel's interest not to govern the Palestinians, but for the Palestinians to govern themselves in their own state. A democratic Palestinian state fully at peace with Israel will promote the long-term security and well-being of Israel as a Jewish state.” — Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, June 4, 2003.

¨Israel has resumed dismantling illegal outposts.

“The Israel Defense Forces began razing about 100 "dirt mound" roadblocks from the entrances to Palestinian villages across the West Bank on Wednesday, as part of an ongoing effort to improve life for Palestinians.” — Haaretz, September 16, 2009.

“Security forces evacuated the Nahalat Yosef outpost near Elon Moreh, in northern Samaria on Monday morning.” — Jerusalem Post, June 1, 2009.

“Civil Administration and police forces on Thursday morning demolished a minor Jewish outpost named Maoz Esther near Kokhav Hashachar in Samaria, the West Bank, three days after US President Barack Obama told visiting Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that he must call a halt to settlement activity.” — Jerusalem Post, May 21, 2009.

“The IDF on Thursday demolished several structures in the unauthorized outpost of Yad Yair, near Ramallah, prompting settler protests throughout the area. The army declared Yad Yair a closed military zone, announcing that it would arrest anyone who came near the site.” — Jerusalem Post, September 18, 2008.

“Defense forces were evacuating two unauthorized outposts in the West Bank on Wednesday.” — Jerusalem Post, January 16, 2008.

“Earlier this week, Deputy Prime Minister Haim Ramon had said that the government might dismantle about two dozen unauthorized outposts as early as next week. Samaria and Judea District police said Wednesday that while one small outpost near Hebron had been evacuated earlier in the day, no more outposts would be evacuated before police and IDF held a situation assessment and deemed the time appropriate to do so.” — Jerusalem Post, January 10, 2008.

“Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told the cabinet that he would remove all unauthorized outposts in the West Bank.” — Jerusalem Post, November 19, 2007.

“Israeli police razed a West Bank settler outpost. Police and troops on Thursday forcibly removed the four structures at Har Hivi, an outpost erected near the settlement of Kedumim.” – JTA, November 15, 2007.

“Eight right-wing activists were arrested Monday on suspicion of attacking police officers and damaging property as Border Police forces evacuated some 60 activists from the Shevut Ami outpost next to Kedumim.” – Jerusalem Post, October 15, 2007.

“Police and IDF troops forcibly evicted hundreds of settlers and right-wing activists from the former settlement of Homesh.” – Jerusalem Post, July 23, 2007.

“Israel´s defense minister ordered the evacuation of 12 settler outposts.” – JTA, May 18, 2006.

“The Defense Ministry will complete in the coming months a detailed plan for the removal of illegal outposts in the West Bank....to speed up the process, the state will streamline the bureaucratic procedures for issuing demolition orders.” – Jerusalem Post, May 8, 2006.

“Security forces and right-wing protesters clashed violently on Wednesday as the evacuation of the Amona outpost in the West Bank was completed. Soldiers and policemen razed all nine of the structures after spending over three hours emptying them of protestors.” – Jerusalem Post, January 31, 2006.

“Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz issued three more demolition orders for illegal outposts Thursday night: the Scali Farm near Eilon Moreh; the Arusi Farm near Har Bracha; and another site near Yitzhar.” – Jerusalem Post, January 14, 2006.

“After a day of violent clashes between security forces and settlers, the illegal structures located at the unauthorized Neveh Daniel North outpost in Gush Etzion were finally demolished on Wednesday.” – Jerusalem Post, January 11, 2006.

“Israeli security forces dismantled two illegal West Bank settler outposts. Troops and police scuffled with dozens of settlers during Thursday´s operation against outposts built near Kedumim and Elon Moreh settlements. At least four settlers were arrested, and the army vowed to tackle two more outposts before nightfall.” – JTA, October 27, 2005.

“Israel will remove the 24 unauthorized settlement outposts established since Prime Minister Ariel Sharon came to power in March 2001, while the fate of 81 other outposts established before that date will be determined by a special committee.” – Jerusalem Post, March 13, 2005.

A report solicited by Sharon found 105 illegal outposts including 61 built on land that did not belong to the state. — Haaretz, March 9, 2005.

”The Defense Ministry will soon appoint a civilian overseer for the evacuation of illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank, in preparation for dismantling approximately 20 such outposts”. — Haaretz, January 7, 2005.

“Israel has dismantled roughly a dozen [outposts].” — Associated Press, July 17, 2003.

¨Olmert reaffirmed the commitment not to build new settlements.

“Let's be straight, we committed ourselves in the road map not to build new settlements and we will not build any” — Jerusalem Post, November 19, 2007.

“During its term of office, the Government will not establish new settlements.” – Basic guidelines of the 30^th Government of the State of Israel, February 2003. 

 “Jewish settlements and outposts are growing rapidly in the West Bank and Gaza Strip…” – Washington Post, July 23, 2004. 

¨Agreed.

¨Israel completely withdrew from the Gaza Strip and dismantled four settlements in the West Bank.

¨Redeployments conditioned on a cessation of Palestinian terror.

“The Israeli army has removed a major checkpoint on the road into the West Bank town of Jericho, easing its grip on one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Jordan River valley.” — Washington Post, June 17, 2009.

“According to a statement released by the IDF Spokesperson, the Rimonim roadblock, which is located east of Ramallah and allows access to the city from the Jordan Valley area, and the Bir Zeit roadblock, were removed following consultations Monday between Judea and Samaria Division Brig.-Gen. Noam Tibon and PA Civil Affairs Minister Hussein a-Sheikh.” — Jerusalem Post, June 3, 2009.

“Yesterday evening, May 10, 2009, two roadblocks in the Ramallah area were removed, one located near the village of Ras Karkar and the other near the village of Ein Yabrud. The removal of the Ras Karkar roadblock allows free movement of vehicles between the city of Ramallah and the villages to its west, while the removal of the Ein Yabrud roadblock allows for traffic between Ramallah and villages to its east.” — Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, May 11, 2009.

“While there have been some lowered restrictions to access and movement, more progress needs to be made in order for Palestinian businesspeople and workers to be able to conduct business in an environment in which they can thrive.” — U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, JTA, October 17, 2008.

“The Civil Administration in the West Bank has negotiated a deal with a number of Palestinian villages in the Kalkilya region in which dirt roadblocks cutting off their access to nearby cities and roads would be lifted in exchange for the cessation of local terror activity.” — Jerusalem Post, June 17, 2008.

“Earlier Sunday, the IDF announced that Israel had removed 10 roadblocks in southern Hebron.” — Jerusalem Post, June 8, 2008.

“[Quartet envoy Tony] Blair said that the Israelis had agreed to remove four checkpoints throughout the West Bank, upgrade seven others, and move one.” — Jerusalem Post, May 13, 2008.

“The IDF removed 10 dirt mound roadblocks in the West Bank on Thursday.” — Jerusalem Post, April 3, 2008.

“...Israel would remove 50 travel barriers located in and around Jenin, Tulkarm, Kalkilya and Ramallah. Israel also promised to dismantle one permanent roadblock.” — Jerusalem Post, March 30, 2008.

“Israel will continue to honor a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip even though rockets are being fired from there toward the Negev at the rate of about two a day, the security cabinet decided Sunday.” — Jerusalem Post, December 4, 2006.

“The last IDF vehicle rolled out of the Gaza Strip through the Kissufim crossing at 6:40 a.m. Monday, marking an end to 38 years of military presence in the area. ” — Jerusalem Post, September 11, 2005.

“Israeli forces pulled back from Jericho on Wednesday, strengthening the hand of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas as he seeks to commit militants to a formal cease-fire so that he can talk peace with Israel.” — Reuters, March 16, 2005.

“Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announced a cease-fire Tuesday, hailing it as a new opportunity for peace in the Middle East.” — Jerusalem Post, February 8, 2005.

“The Israelis will withdraw from the cities and the adjacent areas and they will leave checkpoints, and Palestinian security forces will replace them at these checkpoints.” —  Haaretz, February 9, 2005.

“Israel also declared the gradual transfer of security control to the PA of the West Bank cities of Jericho, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Kalkilya and Ramallah. Other steps Israel announced include an agreement to stop hunting fugitives, provided that they sign a pledge to halt attacks and hand over weapons” — Jerusalem Post, February 3, 2005.

¨Israel has agreed to undertake goodwill gestures (such as the release of Palestinian prisoners, which is not obligated by the Road Map), as well as to halt actions that are considered provocative, such as:  deportations, destruction of Palestinian institutions and infrastructure, and other military measures.

¨ Israel released withheld tax and customs revenues

¨Israel consented to the transfer of supplies and equipment to the PA Security Forces, above and beyond that called for in the Israel-Palestinian agreements.

“Israel freed 198 Palestinian prisoners Monday, including the longest-serving Palestinian detainee in an Israeli jail, in a move Israeli officials said was meant to strengthen Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.” — Washington Post, August 26, 2008.

“Despite the objection of coalition members Shas and Israel Beiteinu, the cabinet approved on Monday a list of 441 Palestinian prisoners to be released ahead of the Annapolis conference.” — Jerusalem Post, November 19, 2007.

“Israel will free 400 Palestinian prisoners on Thursday in what Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has called an attempt to boost moderate Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas ahead of a Gaza withdrawal.” — Haaretz, June 2, 2005.

“After a fierce debate about the release of prisoners 'with blood on their hands,' the committee settled on an immediate release of the 500 prisoners on Shin Bet's list after the summit in Egypt on Tuesday, and a subsequent release of another 400 prisoners in three months.”  — Jerusalem Post, February 3, 2005.

“Israel released 159 Palestinian prisoners Monday as a gesture to the new Palestinian leadership.” – CBS, December 27, 2004.

“Weisglass said that if there is a total halt to all forms of Palestinian violence against Israelis everywhere, Israel would refrain from all military activity. The only deviation from that would be for "ticking bombs," which would take place only under special circumstances and with approval from the political echelon.” — Haaretz, January 27, 2005.

¨Agreed/ Initial actions underway.

¨Israel completely withdrew from the Gaza Strip, giving complete control within that area to the Palestinian Authority.

¨Reconvened the Bilateral Committees established in the Oslo Accords to address the ongoing needs of the Palestinian Authority.

¨Expanding economic cooperation.

“The Allenby Bridge crossing on the Israeli-Jordanian border will remain open 24 hours a day for the transfer of goods as part of the government's effort to ease the daily life of Palestinians residing in the West Bank. The decision, which was reached Wednesday [July 8] during a meeting of a ministerial committee headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Regional Development Minister Silvan Shalom, is also aimed at promoting a number of joint economic ventures with the Palestinian Authority (PA).” — Ynet, July 8, 2009.

“Israel on Monday released 227 Palestinian prisoners as a gesture to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to mark the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha.” — Haaretz, December 15, 2008.

“Prepared by the IDF's Civil Administration, the report cites a three percent drop to 16% in Palestinian unemployment since the beginning of the year. In addition, the report cites a 24% increase in Palestinian average daily wages....Since the beginning of the year, the IDF has also removed 113 roadblocks and dirt mounds throughout the West Bank, enabling easier travel between Palestinian cities.” — Jerusalem Post, December 1, 2008.

“IDF officials have met figures in the Palestinian Authority to coordinate passage of Palestinian farmers through the security barrier so that they can harvest their olive trees located on the Israeli side....In advance of the olive harvest, which runs from October through December, Israel has issued 3,000 permits to Palestinians so they can pass through the barrier; the gates will also be open for longer hours.” — Jerusalem Post, October 6, 2008.

“Ten road blocks have been removed in the Hebron area to improve daily life for Palestinians.” — JTA, August 28, 2008.

“Israel also dismantled a large checkpoint south of Ramallah on Monday after removing two others in the West Bank in the past few days.” — Washington Post, August 26, 2008.

“Israel...removed a checkpoint in the...West Bank on Thursday that had curbed movement outside a main Palestinian city. It was the third such checkpoint Israel has removed this month.” — Reuters, August 21, 2008.

“The Israeli army said the checkpoint between the city of Hebron and a commercial crossing point into Israel would be open for trucks for six hours a day.” — Reuters, August 8, 2008.

“Israel is increasing the flow of supplies into Gaza as an Egyptian-mediated truce that began last Thursday holds.” — VOA.com, June 22, 2008.

“In accordance with directives from the political echelon, the IDF has formulated an extensive plan to ease restrictions for Palestinians in Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley. The plan will significantly improve Palestinian lives in the area.” — Israeli Foreign Ministry, June 3, 2008.

“The last IDF vehicle rolled out of the Gaza Strip through the Kissufim crossing at 6:40 a.m. Monday, marking an end to 38 years of military presence in the area. ” — Jerusalem Post, September 11, 2005.

“Some 1,000 Palestinian workers from Gaza will be allowed to enter Israel and work. Several hundred businesspeople from Gaza and the West Bank will also be granted entry permits to Israel.” –  Haaretz, February 9, 2005.