Hamas will eventually have to be a partner for peace despite being currently regarded as a terrorist organisation by many, the First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O’Neill has said.
In an interview with LBC radio, O’Neill said only dialogue will bring an end to the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, in the same way it did in the struggle between the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the British government.
“A long time ago, the IRA was seen as a terrorist organisation that the British government and everybody else could not ever talk to, and yet we know what followed from that.
Do you think that Hamas, although regarded as a terrorist organisation by many people around the world, are going to eventually be a partner for peace, have to be a partner for peace?” O’Neill was asked.
She responded: “Yes – I think you only have to look to our own example to know how important dialogue is, and it is the only way you’re going to ever bring an end to conflict.
“If the British government didn’t talk to republicans or republicans didn’t talk to the British government in the past, in Ireland we would not be in the scenario that we are in today, enjoying a peaceful and far more equal society.
“So, what we need to see in the Middle East, in particular in relation to Palestine, is that we need to see a ceasefire now. And we need the international community to be singing in chorus and harmony in terms of ceasefire now.”
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Michelle O'Neill (née Doris; born 10 January 1977) is an Irish politician, serving as the First Minister of Northern Ireland since February 3, 2024. Wikipedia
I note the US, Israel and Hamas are negotiating in Paris right now.
Middle East Eye - Feb 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxZhZ5k0iUIPQkoZr24cfctQ-_qnyb0mRA
Hamas will eventually have to be a partner for peace despite being currently regarded as a terrorist organisation by many, the First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O’Neill has said.
In an interview with LBC radio, O’Neill said only dialogue will bring an end to the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, in the same way it did in the struggle between the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the British government.
“A long time ago, the IRA was seen as a terrorist organisation that the British government and everybody else could not ever talk to, and yet we know what followed from that.
Do you think that Hamas, although regarded as a terrorist organisation by many people around the world, are going to eventually be a partner for peace, have to be a partner for peace?” O’Neill was asked.
She responded: “Yes – I think you only have to look to our own example to know how important dialogue is, and it is the only way you’re going to ever bring an end to conflict.
“If the British government didn’t talk to republicans or republicans didn’t talk to the British government in the past, in Ireland we would not be in the scenario that we are in today, enjoying a peaceful and far more equal society.
“So, what we need to see in the Middle East, in particular in relation to Palestine, is that we need to see a ceasefire now. And we need the international community to be singing in chorus and harmony in terms of ceasefire now.”
___
Michelle O'Neill (née Doris; born 10 January 1977) is an Irish politician, serving as the First Minister of Northern Ireland since February 3, 2024. Wikipedia