OK, Who is this Hamas?

The Palestinian elections have been held, Hamas has won a decisive victory over Fatah and no one is suggesting that the vote was conducted in other than an orderly fashion. The issue is that the US, the Israelis and many others do not like the outcome of the election - Hamas, rightly, being described as a terrorist group or organisation which has engaged in suicide bombings and called for the overthrow of Israel.

Where the win of Hamas in the election will all lead to in the scheme of things with respect to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a moot point. Uncertainty will doubtlessly rein!

But, who is Hamas? This article in the Guardian Unlimited details the background to the organisation.

Meanwhile, this latest article from Haaretz makes for interesting reading from an Israeli perspective and the issues thrown up by the Hamas victory.

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