Hamas Could Have Chosen Peace -- Instead, It Made Gaza Suffer

In the winter of 2005, Ziad Abu Amr, a Gaza representative in the Palestinian Legislative Council, invited me to speak in Gaza City. As I entered the building for the event, I saw Mahmoud al-Zahar, one of the co-founders of Hamas. Before I could say anything, Ziad explained: “We decided to invite the opposition to hear you. We think it is important that they do so.”

I had not expected senior Hamas leaders to be there, but it didn't alter my main message. Israel was slated to withdraw from the Gaza Strip in several months, so I emphasized that this was a time of opportunity for Palestinians -- they should seize it. I told the audience of roughly 200 Gazans that this was a moment to promote Palestinian national aspirations. Unfortunately, we know the path Hamas chose...

Read the full article on the Washington Post website.