In a statement, Jewish Voice for Peace called the rise of Hamas a “matter of great concern to every Jewish group,” but said negotiations are the “only way” out of the current conflict.

“It is not more acceptable for the Palestinian Authority to refuse to talk to Israel than it is for Israel or the U.S. to refuse to talk with the legitimately elected representatives of the Palestinian people,” the group says.

Israel refuses to talk to Hamas until it renounces terrorism and recognizes Israel’s right to exist, a position backed by the United States.