He was also Hamas' political leader, who argued strongly against suicide bombings and in favor of a long-term truce.

There was some kind of long-term truce.

Hamas, however, has refused to recognize Israel's claim on any land in the region, saying only that it might consider a long-term truce if Israel withdrew to its 1967 borders.

Hamas calls for Israel's destruction in its charter, but says it could abide by a long-term truce with an Israel within its 1967 boundaries.

Hamas says it would consider a long-term truce if Israel withdrew from all of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Hamas says it may propose a long-term truce with Israel.

It is for this reason that Hamas proposes a long-term truce during which the Israeli and Palestinian peoples can try to negotiate a lasting peace.

The proof is in how his offer of a "long-term truce" was treated.

Hamas, running for the first time in Palestinian Authority elections, says that it is prepared to consider a long-term truce with Israel within its 1967 boundaries.

Khalidi says that an offer of a long-term truce by some Hamas leaders "probably did amount to a tacit and de facto acceptance of Israel."