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The (Very) Quiet Peace Talks Between Israel and Hamas
posted on March 6, 2013At The New Republic, Efraim Halevy investigates the secret “non-negotiations” between Israel and Hamas that could lead to a realistic resolution to their conflict. While publicly Israel and Hamas maintain ideologies that are incompatible, these quiet discussions, mediated by Egypt, demonstrate that the two sides understand the importance of pragmatism. “That’s not to say that an ‘end of conflict’ solution is in sight; neither side is capable of making the major concessions necessary for that,” Halevey writes. “Instead, the outcome will likely be a medium-term plan to manage the thorny issues that divide the two sides—and that ought to suffice. Hamas and Israel both seem to recognize this.”