Reactions to leaked Mideast peace process documents

While senior Palestinian officials have questioned the veracity of documents on the Mideast peace process leaked to the Arabic-language Al Jazeera TV network, Hamas officials said the documents revealed the “ugly face” of the Palestinian Authority. Here is a snapshot of reactions to the latest revelations.

- Palestinian Authority
Top Palestinian officials have slammed the reports on Al Jazeera and the British daily, The Guardian. Chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said the leaks were "a pack of lies".

In remarks published by the Egyptian press, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who is holding talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo, said, "I don't know from where Al-Jazeera came with secret things. There is nothing we hide from our brothers, the Arabs.''

- Hamas
Gaza's Hamas rulers on Monday lashed out at the Palestinian Authority after leaked documents showed its negotiators were willing to cede large parts of East Jerusalem to Israel.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said the documents revealed "the ugly face of the Authority, and the level of its cooperation with the occupation."

- Israel
A senior Israeli official denied that the Palestinian Authority received specific advance warning that Israel planned to invade Gaza in 2008, contradicting documents leaked by Al Jazeera.

In an interview with Israeli public radio Monday, the senior Israeli defence official said to have informed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas of the plan, denied having given any such warning.

"This is an example of inaccuracy. No concrete warning concerning an offensive was given to the Palestinian Authority," said Gilad.

- USA
The US State Department said it would continue pressing for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict despite the release of purportedly secret documents by Al Jazeera.

In a Twitter posting Sunday, US State Department spokesman Philip Crowley wrote that,
"The US government is reviewing the alleged Palestinian documents released by Al Jazeera. We cannot vouch for their veracity."

He also added that, "The US remains focused on a two-state solution and will continue to work with the parties to narrow differences on core issues."

 - Twitter

#PalestinePapers on Twitter

One of the more popular outlets for the debate over the leaked Palestinian documents is the popular short messaging service Twitter.  Using the key word "#palestinepapers," users along with major media outlets are posting opinions and updates on this unfolding story.

From Twitter user 'OriginalKebz'

There's no surprise in the #palestinepapers but at least the childish pretence has been ripped to shreds. #medialies #betrayal

From Twitter user 'Avinunu'

Claims by Saeb Erekat that parts #palestinepapers have been "fabricated" demonstrate total lack of credibility

From Twitter user 'Tamarama100'

#palestinepapers so ends untrue rhetoric of PLO, but why israeli negotiators didn't take up offers ? Makes me sad & frustrated with all!

Click here to follow the discussion on Twitter on the release of the alleged insider documents from the Palestinian Authority.