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Hamas 'Foiled Carter Assassination Plot'

Source tells Haaretz militants targeted former prez

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 16, 2009 2:13 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Hamas, the Palestinian group that rules the Gaza Strip, foiled an attempt by al-Qaeda-linked militants to assassinate Jimmy Carter, a source tells Haaretz. Hoping to kill the former president as his vehicle left Gaza, militants placed a pair of bombs at a border crossing. Witnesses say that they saw Hamas troops patrolling and detonating bombs near a crossing; but an official denies the source’s claim.

A Hamas spokesman said troops had just been carrying out routine work and weren’t aware of any assassination attempt. Carter was in Gaza to urge Hamas leaders to accept international conditions for lifting Gaza’s economic blockade. He also brought a letter for an Israeli soldier held by Palestinians since 2006.

Former US president Jimmy Carter, left, sits with Ismail Haniyeh, head of Gaza's Hamas government, during their meeting in Haniyeh's office in Gaza City,Tuesday, June 16, 2009.
Former US president Jimmy Carter, left, sits with Ismail Haniyeh, head of Gaza's Hamas government, during their meeting in Haniyeh's office in Gaza City,Tuesday, June 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/Ashraf Amra)
Jimmy Carter sits with 5 of the surviving children of the Samouni family, which lost more than 20 members in a strike during Israel's offensive in Gaza, in Gaza City, Tuesday, June 16, 2009.
Jimmy Carter sits with 5 of the surviving children of the Samouni family, which lost more than 20 members in a strike during Israel's offensive in Gaza, in Gaza City, Tuesday, June 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
Palestinian boys climb a gate to watch the convoy of former US President Jimmy Carter, not seen, pass by in the Shati refugee camp, in Gaza City, Tuesday, June 16, 2009.
Palestinian boys climb a gate to watch the convoy of former US President Jimmy Carter, not seen, pass by in the Shati refugee camp, in Gaza City, Tuesday, June 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
Former US president Jimmy Carter, left, pauses during a press conference with Ismail Haniyeh, head of Gaza's Hamas government, in Gaza City,Tuesday, June 16, 2009.
Former US president Jimmy Carter, left, pauses during a press conference with Ismail Haniyeh, head of Gaza's Hamas government, in Gaza City,Tuesday, June 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
Stuart
Jun 17, 2009 9:19 AM CDT
Abdul - twisting to make your point shows dishonesty (again) Up until September 2000, when the Arab Palestinians from the [West Bank and Gaza] territories began their second violent "Intifada" and unleashed their non-stop Jew-killing, suicide bombing spree, they had been allowed to work inside Israel Proper and receive similar pay and benefits as did their Jewish counterparts. They were also allowed to attend schools and universities (which Israel built for them!). Palestinians were also given opportunities to run many of their own affairs. None of this was true for South African blacks. Today the Palestinians exercise complete self-rule in Gaza.Israeli Muslims, Christians, Druse and many other minority ethnic groups enjoy exactly the same civil and political rights as Jews. They can sit in the Knesset, say what they like, go where they like, pray where they like, go into business, be elected to office and serve in the Cabinet. The only exception is that Israeli Arabs do not serve in the army. There is nothing more hypercritical than a single one of the 64 Arab/Islamic/Muslim theocracies and brutal dictatorships pronouncing judgment on issues relating to "discrimination" since not a single one among them treats their minorities in the same tolerant way as does Israel. Talk about lack of deep thought.
Stuart
Jun 17, 2009 7:19 AM CDT
By BEN HUBBARD, Associated Press Writer Ben Hubbard, Associated Press Writer – 7 mins ago GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – A senior Hamas official praised former President Jimmy Carter on Wednesday, a day after he met with the group, but said he failed to persuade the Islamic rulers of Gaza to accept international demands, including recognizing Israel. "The visit has not led to a significant change. Hamas finds the conditions unacceptable," he said. "Recognizing Israel is completely unacceptable." According to Hamas ideology, there is no room for a Jewish state in an Islamic Middle East. The militant group has sent dozens of suicide bombers into Israel, killing hundreds.
riffran
Jun 16, 2009 10:25 AM CDT
I'm sure the diplomatic fallout would have not been favorable for that bunch. I bet self preservation rather than altruism as the motivator

Hamas seen dismantling explosives
Associated Press

 
Jimmy Carter • Gaza • Hamas • bomb • assassination attempt • border crossing • al-Qaeda • Gaza blockade

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