The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in a Nutshell
Provisional State versus Final Status - The quartet roadmap calls for considering a Palestinian state within provisional
borders as an option, which is favored by Israelis and the United States, while Abbas is insisting on final status status
negotiations and claims he does not want a state with provisional borders.
End of An Era - Hamas Wins PLC Elections
Recognizing Israel - About 75% of Palestinians want the radical Hamas movement which won an upset victory over the Fateh
in PLC elections in January to recognize Israel and negotiate peace. European and American leaders pledged not to
negotiate with Hamas and not to provide aid to the Palestinians until Hamas agreed to disarm and recognize Israel.
Hamas spokesmen sent mixed signals, but vowed never to recognize Israel and never to give up their claim to all of
Palestine, though a majority of Palestinians apparently want them to follow the path of peace.
