Thursday, July 13, 2006; A22

Ismail Haniyeh's absurd and cynical attempt to portray his Hamas government as a legitimate entity committed to a fair resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has no basis in reality ["Aggression Under False Pretenses," op-ed, July 11].

Hamas is a terrorist organization that rejects Israel's right to exist within any borders, opposes any negotiation or agreement with Israel, and espouses in its charter vicious anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.

Mr. Haniyeh talks about democracy, justice and negotiation, but what has Hamas done since taking office? It has not recognized Israel's right to exist; it has welcomed terrorist attacks against Israeli civilian targets, such as an attack against a Tel Aviv restaurant in April; and it has encouraged rocket attacks from Gaza against Israeli civilian centers.

Mr. Haniyeh outrageously compares the kidnapped Israeli Cpl. Gilad Shalit, seized from an army base on Israeli soil, with Palestinians in Israeli prisons, the majority of whom were involved in terrorism.

Americans understand that there is clearly a difference between barbaric suicide attacks targeting innocent Israelis and defensive Israeli operations aimed at stopping Palestinian terrorists.

What is truly tragic is that the Palestinian people have elected a leadership that is not interested in bettering their lives but that would rather continue its violent campaign against Israel. Rather than this cheap attempt to appeal for American sympathy, Mr. Haniyeh and Hamas should embrace American values of democracy, moderation and reconciliation.

ABRAHAM H. FOXMAN

National Director

Anti-Defamation League

New York

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I was disappointed to open the July 11 Post to find an op-ed written by the leader of a terrorist organization.

Ismail Haniyeh wrote, "If Israel will not allow Palestinians to live in peace . . . Israelis themselves will not be able to enjoy those same rights." Coming from the leader of Hamas, a group identified by the U.S. government as a foreign terrorist organization, it's hard to read this and not wonder whether Mr. Haniyeh is promising more suicide bombings and rocket attacks by Hamas operatives.

Hamas has proudly asserted responsibility for the murder of innocent American civilians, and Mr. Haniyeh formerly directed the office of Sheik Ahmed Yassin, the now-deceased spiritual leader and founder of Hamas.

At a time when Congress is debating how best to provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinians, Mr .Haniyeh's words do all Palestinians a profound disservice. By referring to Israel as "supposedly 'legitimate,' " he undermines the foundation on which any peace talks could be based.

The fact that the Palestinians elected Hamas to a majority of the National Assembly hardly mitigates the group's basic terrorist nature. I would hope that The Post and other national media outlets carefully consider the implications of providing a forum for a known terrorist.

SAM BROWNBACK

U.S. Senator (R-Kan.)

Washington

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Given the usual anti-Palestinian media bias in the United States, thank you for having the courage to give a voice to a Palestinian. Rarely are we allowed to be reminded that the formation of Israel in 1948 destroyed Palestinian society, displacing 90 percent of Palestinians from their homeland.

Any resolution to the conflict must resolve this basic fact and must end Israel's cruel 39-year-old occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. Peace will never be achieved until Israel recognizes the indigenous rights of Palestinians and allows them to have freedom, human rights and a dignified life on their homeland.

NESREEN SROUJI

Dubai, United Arab Emirates