The United States continues to insist that Israel allow Hamas to run in the upcoming Palestinian elections. If allowed to run, no one doubts that Hamas will gain significant leverage over the Palestinian government – and with it, the international aid and weaponry that flows into Palestinian coffers. As a reminder:
A Hamas spokesman said Wednesday the Islamic militant group would not renew an informal nine-month-old truce, which expires at the end of the year, after Israel killed one of its leading activists in an air strike in Gaza. The truce was brokered by Egypt, and that country is expected to invite militant groups, including Hamas, to Cairo in coming weeks to discuss extending the agreement.





