The two Palestinian terrorist groups, Fatah and Hamas, have again announced their near-reconciliation. Their disagreement now revolves around the percentage of district candidates versus election lists in the upcoming elections. Since Israel bans Hamas from participating in elections, Hamas uses smokescreen parties, but mostly relies on district candidates. Hamas demands that at least 30% of Palestinian MPs be elected in district voting. Fatah lacks popular candidates, and the arrangement would ensure that Hamas gets at least 30% of the seats in the next Palestinian parliament.
Fatah reportedly agreed to include 3,000 Hamas guerrillas in its police force, which is financed by Israeli tax transfers. That influx would probably be limited to Gaza.
Hamas has previously rejected the PLO’s previous agreements with Israel, but has now agreed to “respect” rather than “recognize” them. European governments accept this transparent lie. They need Hamas back in the Palestinian government in order to regain a nominal partner for the peace process.
Very soon, the Hamas as we know will look like a moderate entity. Under pressure from young radicals, Salafi Muslim fundamentalists, and Iran, Hamas is drifting toward political and religious radicalism, which will hopefully preclude any settlement with Israel.
