Former US president Jimmy Carter wrote an article Wednesday telling Washington and the international community to support the Palestninian unity government.
In a
Washington Post article, Carter wrote that "if the United States and the international community support this effort, they can help Palestinian democracy and establish the basis for a unified Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza that can make a secure peace with Israel." However, "if they remain aloof or undermine the agreement," it may lead to more violence against Israel.
RELATED:PM lands in London to lobby against Fatah-Hamas dealShaath: Stop asking Hamas to recognize IsraelCarter added that the accord between Hamas and Fatah are "a Palestinian
contribution to the 'Arab awakening,'" and that a Palestinian state can
not be formed while they are divided. "Instead of exacerbating
differences between the two parties," he wrote, "the international
community should help them resolve disagreements through electoral and
legislative processes."
The former US president explained that support for the Palestinian unity
agreement "could lead to a durable cease-fire," and the end of rockets
being launched into Israel.
"Many Israelis say that as long as the Palestinians are divided, there
is no partner for peace," Carter wrote. "But at the same time, they
refuse to accept a unity government."
Carter also claimed that the accord could ultimately lead to a peace
agreement between Israel and the Palestinians because Abbas will
represent all Palestinians. He called for such an agreement to include
"an exchange of prisoners for the captured Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit
and a settlement freeze" and mutual recognition of Israel and Hamas.