The Times of London wonders whether or not the confusion over Hamas’ alleged acceptance of Israel’s right to exist represents a real split in the organization, or perhaps something more disingenuous:
The extravagant provocation of seizing Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier, seems to clash with the careful calculation of edging towards a deal with other Palestinian groups, and even a tacit recognition of Israel.
It does clash. One good explanation is that the contradiction reflects the power struggle within Hamas.Another is that even the group’s “moderates” are courting two audiences at once — ordinary Palestinians and potentially sympathetic governments abroad — and the aims pull in different directions.
