Publication

This paper addresses the contradictions the authors see in the strategic approach the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Hamas have adopted in their dealings with Israel and the implications of these. On the one hand, they argue, the PA attempts to deal with Hamas and terrorism in Palestine as well as coordinate with Israel on security issues, yet on the other, it works against Israel in the international arena. This inconsistency applies also to Hamas and is illustrated by the organization's attempt to restrain Salafist organizations and promote relations with Israel in Gaza all the while working hard to show its primacy in the armed struggle against Israel and expanding its infrastructure to support terrorism. The authors conclude by looking at how Israel also has different approaches towards the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and outlining the problems that could result from the contradictions in all three actors’ policies.