Jason Greenblatt, the United States’ special envoy to the Middle East, responded to the Palestinian unity deal by breaking neutrality and siding with Israel on the matter.

Israeli officials announced that they would not negotiate with the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in Gaza until the resistance movement met a list of Tel Aviv’s demands.

“All parties agree that it is essential that the Palestinian Authority be able to assume full, genuine, and unhindered civil and security responsibilities in Gaza and that we work together to improve the humanitarian situation for Palestinians living there,” Greenblatt said.

“The United States reiterates the importance of adherence to the Quartet principles: any Palestinian government must unambiguously and explicitly commit to nonviolence, recognize the State of Israel, accept previous agreements and obligations between the parties – including to disarm terrorists – and commit to peaceful negotiations. If Hamas is to play any role in a Palestinian government, it must accept these basic requirements.”

Hamas rejected these demands as “blatant interference” by the United States for an eventual Palestinian unity government and accused the administration of United States President Donald Trump of breaking neutrality by aligning itself with Israel.

“It is a blatant interference in Palestinian affairs. Our people have the right to choose their own government based on their strategic interests.” Hamas senior official Bassem Naim told AFP.

The Trump administration acts “under the pressure of Netanyahu’s far-right government and follows with Nentanyahu’s statements two days ago,” he added.

The United States Secretary of State’s office announced in a statement that the U.S. and Israel plan to deepen relations following the the 32nd session of the U.S. – Israel Joint Economic Development Group (JEDG), an annual economic planning meeting between the two countries.

(teleSUR, PC, Social Media)