Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said Friday that the European peace initiative featured “positive points” that should be studied further. Israel’s quick rejection of the proposal, he said, “Is proof that Israel doesn’t want any form of stability or quiet in the region.”
On Thursday French President Jacques Chirac announced that his country, in cooperation with Spain and Italy, are drafting a new diplomatic initiative for the Middle East.
The new plan includes five elements: An immediate ceasefire, the formation of a Palestinian unity government that would be able to receive international recognition, prisoner exchange between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, talks between the Israeli prime minister and his Palestinian counterpart, and an international force that will deploy in Gaza Strip and reinforce the ceasefire.
According to the AP, the Israeli Foreign Ministry rejected the plan, stressing, “The European Union initiative is not supported by the international community as a whole."
In addition, officials said, "Israel prefers direct dialogue with the Palestinians over mediation by foreign elements ‘that will only complicate matters."
