Experts say arrests show commitment to peace talks
The government of Mahmoud Abbas has arrested 250 Hamas militants after some members shot and killed four Israelis Tuesday in an effort to derail direct peace talks beginning this evening at the White House. Experts say the arrests are a sign that the Palestinian Authority is committed to the first direct peace talks in two years. Although Abbas controls the West Bank, Iran-backed Hamas continues to control the Gaza Strip. Hamas opposes Israel’s right to exist in any form. Tuesday’s attack happened near Hebron when a gunman shot at a passing vehicle, killing a married couple with five children and two others. Over 3,000 Palestinians rallied in Gaza to celebrate the deaths.