In other news, Hamas appeared to break new ground Wednesday over its stance on recognizing Israel. In an interview with the Reuters news agency, exiled Hamas political leader Khaled Meshal said Hamas sees Israel as a “reality” that exists. Meshal suggested formal recognition of Israel would come if Israel agreed to recognize a Palestinian state.

Hamas political leader Khaled Meshal: “This is reality, but I do not deal with it from the point of view of recognizing or admitting it. It is a fact that was the result of historical factors. We today are talking of Arab and Palestinian readiness to accept a state on 1967 borders on the assumption that this will provide an important amount of stability and peace in the region. The question is: Is there Israeli, American and international readiness to admit this Palestinian demand?”