Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says Hamas has agreed to “respect” the Palestinian Authority’s past peace agreements with Israel and a Palestinian plan for a state in the West Bank and Gaza. Some are calling the pledge Hamas’ most significant commitment to a peace agreement with Israel so far. Israeli officials gave the agreement a cool reception. Israel says Palestinians must also agree to international demands to renounce violence and recognize Israel’s “right to exist.” Israel’s critics say the conditions are unfair because Israel refuses to renounce violence against Palestinians or recognize the Palestinian right to a state in all of the West Bank and Gaza.