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HAMAS AGREES TO PEACE SUMMIT WITH ISRAEL

WASHINGTON – The Hamas-led Palestinian government yesterday agreed to an Arab League proposal of an international peace conference with Israel.

The proposal came after the league – angered by Israel’s military offensive in Gaza – voted to end debilitating economic sanctions against Hamas.

Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar of Hamas endorsed a statement calling for the peace conference during a meeting in Cairo to respond to a U.S. veto of a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.

Israel responded by saying it would not hold talks unless Hamas agreed to demands, backed by the United States and Europe, that the group recognize Israel, renounce violence and abide by existing agreements between Israel and Palestinians.

The proposal marked the first time the Hamas-led government indicated it would consider peace with Israel.

Zahar said the Palestinians had asked for the peace conference, which would be attended by Arabs, Israelis and major U.N. powers, “in order to reach just and comprehensive solutions.”

The proposal came as Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert began a five-day trip to the United States. He will meet with President Bush today.

With Post Wire Services