Hamas Witnesses Fundamental Changes, But Not Enough To Join Peace Process

[Purveyor]

by Osama Radi, Emad Drimly

GAZA, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Analysts said the discourse and approach of the Islamic Hamas movement, which rules the Gaza Strip, recently witnessed fundamental changes and seemed to be more moderate and pragmatic than what it used to be.

Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal has recently accepted the principle of adopting popular resistance against Israel instead of armed struggle that the movement was always sticking to.

The Islamic movement, founded in late 1987 with the destruction of Israel as its charter, has become closer than before to join the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), although it avoids recognizing or abiding by the peace treaties signed by the PLO and Israel.

In addition, the ongoing decline of Hamas' strategic ties with Iran and Syria might be considered as a new chapter in the Hamas policy. Most of the movement's leaders and their families had left Damascus and moved to other Arab states.

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http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/indepth/2012-01/05/c_131344860.htm

[Ruby the Liberal]

1. Nice first step at PR, but not there yet.