The New Hamas Government

Following the victory of Hamas in the Palestinian Legislative Council elections, the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), charged Hamas leader Ismail Haniya with the task of forming of a new government. Haniya initially tried to set up a Government of National Unity that would include Fatah, in the hope of neutralizing its opposition, but he was unable to overcome basic differences of principle. Abu Mazen also failed to persuade Hamas to draft policy guidelines that would meet the minimal demands of the international community (renunciation of terror, recognition of Israel and endorsement of previously-signed agreements with it). Nor did Abu Mazen invoke his authority to dissolve parliament. Instead, he contented himself with a laconic warning that he would use his power if the need arose before promising to provide “œall assistance necessary” for the functioning of the new government.