Sourced fact
The News
According to The Times of Israel, the REF organization, which was founded and funded through the Oslo Accords, held a secret meeting in Gaza in 2021 with senior officials from the Hamas movement. According to The Times of Israel, the organization stated that “this contact does not imply any endorsement.”
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
Analytically, this discovery raises questions about the nature of relations between Western governments and Hamas, specifically following the Oslo Accords. This information clearly indicates that mediation efforts were conducted secretly, suggesting the existence of undisclosed communication channels between the two parties. In a broader context, this event can be considered part of a long-standing discussion regarding how to deal with Hamas as a politically opposed Palestinian actor and whether it should be allowed representation in international discussions.
It is important to note that the REF organization is linked to the Oslo Accords, agreements brokered between Israel and Hamas in 2013 aimed at achieving peace.
