July 23, 2008 Obama: Hamas leadership has to make a decision Play video

(NECN: Sderot, Israel) - In terms of negotiations with Hamas, Barack Obama says, "It is very hard to negotiate with a group that is not representative of a nation state, does not recognize your right to exist, has consistently used terror as a weapon, and is deeply influenced by other countries. I think that Hamas leadership will have to make a decision at some point as to whether it is a serious political party seeking to represent the aspirations of the Palestinian people and as a consequence willing to recognize Israel's right to exist -- or whether it wants to continue to operate as a terrorist organization. Until that point, it is hard for Israel to negotiate with a group that doesn't recognize Israel's right to exist as a country."

Obama spoke at a press conference in Sderot, near the Gaza border. The city has been a frequent target of rocket attacks from Palestinian militants, and the news conference was held next to a collection of the spent rockets.

Obama on negotiating with Hamas.

Obama on Mideast peace process.

Obama says Jerusalem will be capital of Israel.