Publication

18 Jan 2006

This report examines the political integration process of the Islamist Resistance Movement before the Palestinian national elections in January 2006. It evaluates the success of Hamas in the 2005 local elections and its post-election performance. Given its increasingly pragmatic attitude and popularity, the movement is expected to win a share of political power in the 2006 national elections. However, taking into account the armed elements of the movement and its military and radical inclinations, the authors remain skeptical of a long-term ceasefire and cessation of attacks. The report further analyzes the extent to which the relationship between Hamas and Israel is changing. Lastly, it assesses the different attitudes of the US and the EU vis-à-vis Hamas and the impact of their respective policies on the future development of the Palestinian Authority.

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Hebrew (PDF, 51 pages, 1.0 MB)
Author International Crisis Group
Series Crisis Group Middle East Reports
Issue 49
Publisher International Crisis Group (ICG)
Copyright © 2006 International Crisis Group (Crisis Group)
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