1、1 Hamas is an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyyah (the Islamic ResistanceMovement). Hamas also means “zeal” in Arabic.Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS22395March 3, 2006Fatah and Hamas: the New Palestinia
2、n Factional RealityAaron D. PinaAnalyst in Middle Eastern AffairsForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryFor the first time in its history, the Palestinian parliament is set to be led by Hamas,which the United States and European Union have designated a foreign terroristorganization. Alth
3、ough some lauded the generally free and fair election in January 2006,others criticized the outcome and accused Hamas of “hijacking” democracy. This reportprovides an overview of the new political realities in the West Bank and Gaza after theelection, the challenges Fatah and Hamas face, and possibl
4、e implications for U.S. policy.This report will be updated as warranted. For more information on the Palestinians, seeCRS Report RL33269, Palestinian Elections, by Aaron D. Pina, CRS Issue BriefIB91137 The Middle East Peace Talks, by Carol Migdalovitz, and CRS ReportRS22370, U.S. Assistance to the P