Former U.N. Envoy Chides U.S., Israel For Hamas Efforts

The United Nations' former top Middle East envoy has sharply criticized U.S. and Israeli efforts to isolate the Hamas-led Palestinian government, saying the policy has further radicalized Palestinian opinion and undercut long-term efforts to establish a viable Palestinian state.

The broadside by Alvaro de Soto was contained in a confidential 52-page report [pdf] he filed before resigning from the United Nations last month, ending a 25-year U.N. career. It was an unusually candid assessment by the Peruvian diplomat, who has overseen U.N. peace efforts in El Salvador, Cyprus, Western Sahara and other trouble spots. Link