Engaging Hamas: rethinking the Quartet Principles

The Middle East Quartet has laid out three conditions for the recognition of a Palestinian government: the renunciation of violence, recognition of Israel’s right to exist and a commitment to all agreements signed by the PLO and Israel.

Recently, the EU appears to have shifted its language, demonstrating increasing flexibility in its application of the principles and emphasising the need for intra-Palestinian reconciliation. But is this a step in the right direction? 

It is, argues Carolin Goerzig. Insisting on Hamas’ adherence to the Quartet Principles is self-defeating and lessens the chance of compliance. Instead, a weakening of these requirements could directly contribute to a transformation of Hamas, and in turn, strengthen the prospects for peace in the Middle East.