A senior official with Hamas indicated his organization was confused concerning future relations with Israel because of that nation’s uncertain governmental structure. Foreign Minister Livni has been attempting to organize a coalition government which would continue efforts of the present Olmert government regarding the Palestine issue. Mahmoud al-Zahar said the Hamas offer of a truce was not canceled, but since ‘there is no one to talk about this proposal with on the other side” it leaves issues unsettled. He indicated the concept of a long term truce was a “project that can be developed when there are intentions” on the other side.
The late spiritual advisor of Hamas, Ahmed Yassin, suggested a twenty year truce without any recognition of the Israel state.

A few days ago, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh agreed to accept the idea of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. It is now apparent all Palestinian leaders and Arab nations are willing to accept a truce with Israel based on the 1967 borders. The ball is now definitely in the court of Israel.