Hamas and other hardline elements within the PA generally refuse to acknowledge the existence of Israel. But under pressure from the international community, they play a savvy word game:
“Of course Israel exists,” they say. “De facto, it’s there, isn’t it? How could we deny this?” But recognizing that Israel exists at this moment in time, de facto, is not the same as recognizing’s Israel’s RIGHT to exist now and in the future. This recognition is never accorded. It is something to be watched for and demanded.
There certainly can be no true peace without recognition of Israel’s right to exist.