What conditions has the U.S. placed on recognizing a national unity government?
The U.S. has stated that in order to be recognized any Palestinian unity government must meet three conditions (initially demanded of Hamas after its 2006 electoral victory): recognition of Israel, an acceptance of previous agreements between the PLO and Israel, and a renunciation of violence. In addition, sources say that American officials have hinted that they will only recognize a new unity government if it is headed by Salam Fayyad, who recently resigned from his appointed position as Palestinian prime minister in order to facilitate the formation of a unity government. 3. How has Hamas responded to the U.S.’ three conditions? Hamas political chief Khaled Mashal said as early as March 2006 that Hamas would be willing to “end its armed conflict with Israel” in exchange for a full withdrawal to the 1967 borders, implying its willingness to accept the conditions in exchange for an end of Israel’s military occupation. Mashal reiterated his stance regarding acceptance of a Palestinian
