Foreign Minister Shimon Peres used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to applaud Yasser Arafat's Fatah terror gang. Peres praised Fatah's recent call to establish an independent "State of Palestine" based on democratic principles with respect for human rights, civil liberties and a market economy. Peres said "We [Israel] look upon these words as a first dawn of a different season. We hope it is spring."
However, Peres failed to condemn Fatah and its branches for perpetrating the majority of terror attacks against Israelis since the start of the Oslo war two years ago. In addition, just last week Fatah leaders rejected a "rough draft" of a proposal calling for an end to their campaign of violence against Israeli citizens. Even if the declaration had been adapted, it did not forbid attacks against soldiers and civilians within Yesha (Judea, Samaria, and Gaza).
Later in his speech Peres seemed to criticize the defensive measures used by the IDF to combat the Palestinian threat. "While fighting terror, let's not fight people. While seeking freedom, let's not extend subjugation," he said.
However, Peres failed to condemn Fatah and its branches for perpetrating the majority of terror attacks against Israelis since the start of the Oslo war two years ago. In addition, just last week Fatah leaders rejected a "rough draft" of a proposal calling for an end to their campaign of violence against Israeli citizens. Even if the declaration had been adapted, it did not forbid attacks against soldiers and civilians within Yesha (Judea, Samaria, and Gaza).
Later in his speech Peres seemed to criticize the defensive measures used by the IDF to combat the Palestinian threat. "While fighting terror, let's not fight people. While seeking freedom, let's not extend subjugation," he said.