There has been a rapprochement in relations between the Palestinian authorities in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip. Although Fatah has nominal authority over both regions, it is widely understood that Hamas has effective control over the Gaza Strip, as was illustrated in Israel’s recent conflict with Hamas. One of the main policy issues which divides the two factions is that Hamas refuses to recognize the state of Israel and furthermore has, to date, refused to relinquish its right to armed conflict. In contrast, the late Yasser Arafat’s Fatah has recognized Israel and does not believe conventional force against such a disproportionately powerful foe is a feasible option.

It seems as with the rest of the world the ‘non-partisan’ mood which has occurred since the Obama administration took power has also taken affect in the Palestinian Territories. Of course, this may have more to do with the harsh facts of survival as opposed to political necessities: Benyamin Netanyahu seems likely to need the far right and extremely nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu (translated to, “Israel is ours”) to form his ever weakening coalition in the Knesset. Although Yisrael Beiteinu has, in the past, been known to support a “two state solution” its members have also advocated an aggressive pursuit of deportation of Arab-Israelis to the newly formed Palestine.

Because of the seeming swing right of Israel and an administration in the United States which is on record as stating that it would work towards a two state solution and would be willing to communicate with leaders without conditions, it is prudent for the Palestinian leadership on both sides to present a unified front. Without that, the hopes of the formation of a recognized Palestinian homeland my be dashed on the rising ire of a jingoistic Israel and a United States overwhelmed by the current economic recession.

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