International Crisis Group issues major Middle East report, urges Europe, Russia, US to re-establish ties with Hamas, and for all parties to work for

International Crisis Group issues major Middle East report, urges Europe, Russia, US to re-establish ties with Hamas, and for all parties to work for Fatah-Hamas rapprochement

International Crisis Group

August 3, 2007

The International Crisis Group (ICC) has issued a report, After Gaza, which considers policy options in the long-term effort to find a peaceful solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict, in light of Hamas' recent takeover in Gaza. The central argument of the report is that the 'Quarter' of the EU, Russia, the UN and the United States must work with the Palestinians to establish a rapprochement between Hamas and Fatah and the formation of a unity-government. The report specifically urges the Quartet "in all statements and contacts with the PA government in Ramallah" to "encourage reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas." Regarding internal Palestinian political structures, the report urges the "formation of a new, unified government subject to Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) approval" with "a mandate for the PLO Chairman to negotiate with Israel on a political settlement of the conflict." The report argues that Israel must be willing to negotiate with such a government, which will include Hamas, on a "two-state solution."

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