Hamas official: Fatah recognizes Israel "on the political level" but not an organizational level; its real position is "very close to Hamas' position"

“Deputy Chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau Dr. Musa Abu Marzouq said Fatah’s weight in the PLO has helped it become the organization’s backbone. He noted that there was no connection between recognition of Israel and the positions of the factions, and that Fatah’s [recognition], for example, expresses the political level and not the level of the organization, which does not recognize Israel and still adheres to the armed struggle. In addition, he noted that [Fatah’s] political position is very close to Hamas’ position, and explained that the real unity will be reflected through the PLO and not the PA Parliament (Legislative Council), and that no alternative to the organization enjoys international and Arab recognition.”