JERUSALEM — The Palestinian president on Sunday called the Holocaust “the most heinous crime” of modern history, voicing a rare acknowledgment of Jewish suffering shortly before Israel held its annual memorial for victims of the Nazi genocide.
President Mahmoud Abbas’ announcement appeared to be aimed at reaching out to Israeli public opinion at a time of crisis in U.S.-backed peace efforts. Israelis claim the Palestinians are not sincere about wanting peace.
Although Israel’s national Holocaust memorial said Abbas’ comments might be a step in the right direction, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brushed them aside. He said Abbas’ renewed attempts to reconcile with the Islamic militant movement Hamas raised doubts about the Palestinian leader’s intentions.
Denials or attempts to minimize the Holocaust are widespread in the Arab world. Many Palestinians fear that if they acknowledge the Holocaust, they will diminish their own claims based on years of
The Associated Press
