Obama Not Planning Deals With Hamas

An aide to Barack Obama has denied a report that the president-elect is planning low-level or back-channel negotiations with Hamas, the Jerusalem Post reports. Obama considers Hamas a terrorist oranization and won’t deal with its leaders “until they recognize Israel, renounce violence, and abide by past agreements,” Obama’s chief national security spokeswoman said.

Citing three people with knowledge of the Obama team’s discussions, the Guardian reported yesterday that the incoming administration would eventually support talks with Hamas. Obama’s spokeswoman denied the “unsourced story,” insisting her boss hasn’t drifted from his “repeated” refusal to shun Hamas.
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