US MIDEAST ENVOY GREENBLATT BACKS ISRAEL ON PALESTINIAN UNITY DEAL

S special envoy to the Middle East, Jason Greenblatt, responded Thursday morning to the recently-struck Palestinian unity deal, backing up Israel in its stance on negotiations with a future, Hamas-run Palestinian government in the West Bank and in Gaza. "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 wrote. Be the first to know - Join our Facebook page. "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." Israel's security cabinet announced earlier this week that it would not negotiate with a Hamas-run Gaza until the terror group answers a list of Jerusalem's demands. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced after the deal emerged this week that Israel will not hold talks unless Hamas recognizes Israel and stops terrorist activities, in accordance with Quartet principles established more than a decade ago, which Greenblatt referenced in his own statement. Netanyahu also po