Quote: ""Hamas should use its authority to stop violence including missile attacks against Israel," Lavrov said at a news conference after his meeting with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal. "We received confirmation that such steps will be taken," Lavrov said. However, Mashaal said at a separate news conference that the group is not ready to recognize Israel. Renouncing violence and recognizing Israel are both key demands of international peace negotiators. "First of all, Israel has to end its occupation of Palestinian territory and put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people," Mashaal said when asked about the recognition issue. "When Israel does that, the Palestinian people will make their position clear."

I predicted a few days ago that Hamas would be pressed to announce an end to its attacks against Israel, and possibly a promise to abide by previous agreements signed by the PLO, and that this would satisfy the requirements of the international community. But I didn't expect this announcement from Hamas to come so quickly. It will be interesting to see how the other Quartet members react. I suspect that after the formation of the unity government and if Mashaal can keep his word, Europe and the US will quickly follow suit in recognizing the Palestinian Authority government. After that, and possibly after the looming war of Ezekiel 38-39, the next step is the division of the land.

Daniel 11:38-39
But in his estate shall he (Antichrist) honour the God of forces (armies): and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge [and] increase with glory: and he shall cause them (his army) to rule over many, and shall divide the land (Israel) for gain. 

Source YNet News