Haniyeh calls for formation of Palestinian state on 1967 lines

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh on Tuesday reiterated a callfor a long-term truce with Israel and for the formation of a temporary Palestinian state along the 1967 borders.

In a rambling televised speech that stretched more than 40 minutes, Haniyeh said the truce could last as long as 20 years, after an independent Palestinian state is established in territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Six Day War.

During his speech, the Palestinian prime minister also called on the warring Palestinian factions to desist infighting and unite together against Israel.


Haniyeh told students at the Tehran University during a visit to Iran two weeks ago that Hamas would never recognize Israel.

“The arrogant of the world and the Zionists… want us to recognize the usurpation of the Palestinian lands and stop jihad and resistance and accept the agreements reached with the Zionist enemies in the past,” he said.

“I’m insisting from this podium that these issues won’t materialize. We will never recognize the usurper Zionist government and will continue our jihad-like movement until the liberation of Jerusalem,” he said.