Rep. Wasserman Schultz Statement Regarding Fatah and Hamas

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz made the following statement in response to the news that Fatah and Hamas have announced plans for a unity government:

“I am watching with caution and concern the recent announcement by Fatah and Hamas that they plan to form a Palestinian unity government. The United States would embrace such an arrangement for the purpose of promoting peace, if and only if Hamas renounces its terrorist charter and abides by the Quartet Principles. Hamas is a terror organization, eschewed by the United States government, and this deal puts United States support for the Palestinian Authority at risk unless Hamas renounces violence, abides by past peace agreements, and recognizes Israel’s right to exist. The Palestinian people deserve a unified, peace-seeking government — not one that flies in the face of the necessary and important steps all parties must take toward peace.”