Rep. Schneider Statement on Halt of Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks

Statement

U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement on the announcement today that Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have dissolved.

"I am disappointed that President Abbas has chosen to turn away from negotiations with Israel and instead turned toward forming a unity government with Hamas, missing yet another opportunity to achieve peace for his people and the region.

"Hamas's continued refusal to accept the Jewish State of Israel's right to exist, renounce violence and abide by previously-negotiated agreements makes it all but impossible to include a government involving Hamas in constructive negotiations. Israel cannot be expected to accept such a situation. Real peace requires real partners, which Hamas is not.

"The only pathway to a permanent agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians has always only been through direct talk. It's my hope that the Palestinian Authority will decide to rejoin Israel and the United States in their commitment to continued negotiations toward an end of the conflict."

Rep. Schneider, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has been active in advocating for a strong U.S.-Israel partnership and backs a two state solution. In July, he released a statement welcoming the beginning of Israel-Palestinian peace talks.

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