"We are ready, willing and able" – Maen Areikat on Palestinian Authority's desire to make peace in the Middle East
During a press conference Wednesday, President Obama said he has "no sympathy for Hamas," while expressing his concern for the Palestinian people. Maen Areikat, the Chief P.L.O. Representative to the U.S. appeared on Erin Burnett OutFront to discuss the situation in Gaza and respond to Obama’s comments on Hamas.
There have widespread allegations that Hamas has been launching rockets from civilian-populated areas. Video released by French TV Wednesday shows just that - a rocket launcher in a residential neighborhood, with children playing around it. Burnett asked Areikat if he condemns Hamas for these actions:
“We don’t know the circumstances of this particular rocket launcher,” Areikat said, referencing the video. “If there has been incidents…in which fighters from Palestinian factions fired at Israel from civilian populated centers, I think these were isolated centers. But to portray that this was the rule and not the exception is not a fair representation of what is happening in Gaza.”
On the topic of a weakened Palestinian National Authority, Areikat challenged Obama's position:
“I don’t necessarily agree with the assessment that we’ve been weakened," he said. "To say that we must work with the Palestinian leadership is an acknowledgment that the P.L.O. leadership is genuine, sincere about seeking peace.”
Watch the above interview, and tune into Erin Burnett OutFront weeknights at 7P.
Are U.S. – Israeli relations on the rocks?
On Monday evening, CNN's Richard Roth joined "OutFront" for an in-depth look at the ongoing unrest in Gaza, and the strain it's creating between the U.S. and Israel.
A staunch supporter of Israel, the United States is feeling pressure as global criticism is aimed at Israel following military operations in Gaza. And, as the conflict continues, so too does the deterioration of the relationship between the two.
Following John Kerry’s recent trip to Israel, it was reported Israeli Intelligence had been eavesdropping on the Secretary of State's phone calls. Kerry has also been blasted by the Israeli government and media, who've referred to his diplomatic tactics as unfair.
For Roth's full report on the tense relationship between Israel and the U.S., watch the above video.
"Who is the bad guy here?" – Ron Prosor addresses Israel and Hamas comparisons:
In advance of the forthcoming 72-hour cease fire, on Monday evening Erin Burnett welcomed Ron Prosor, Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations.
Joining the "OutFront" host for a live interview, Prosor addressed comparisons between Israel and Hamas, saying "you're trying to equate a democracy like Israel, with a terror organization like Hamas. This is like equating the United States with Al-Qaeda."
Watch the above video as Prosor further clarifies his point by noting that Israel and Hamas represent "absolutely the good and evil."
"That's my question: where is 'there'" – Erin Burnett asks Dore Gold where civilians can seek safety amid Middle East violence
On the heels of a UN school coming under attack in Gaza, on Wednesday evening Erin Burnett welcomed Dore Gold, asking the Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu where civilians fleeing violence in the Middle East are expected to go.
Hamas has reportedly been using U.N. schools as a storage area for rockets and missiles, a practice that is leaving innocent Palestinians with few options to seek safety. Israel has made attempts to move Palestinians out of areas of conflict, but with the borders closed, Burnett's question remains unanswered.
Watch the above video for the full conversation between the "Erin Burnett OutFront" host and her guest Dore Gold.
Dramatic video of Gaza market attack
Following the airing of dramatic video footage of a deadly attack at a Gaza market, on Wednesday evening Erin Burnett welcomed colleague John Vause for an investigation of the dangerous situation.
In the footage, ambulances race to the scene after an initial explosion, only to be greeted by another. The journalist filming the scene was seriously injured in the explosion, but his assistant promptly picked up the camera, and continued rolling, capturing further scenes of horror. The footage, much of it graphic, has been broadcast on Hamas Television.
Hamas officials say the market may have been crowded largely because civilians were under the impression a humanitarian ceasefire was in place. With 17 killed and 200 wounded, they were clearly, and sadly, mistaken.
Watch the above video to see the full depth of footage from the fatal explosions at the market in Gaza.
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