Opinionated Perspective

"It's a moment of happiness and popularity for Hamas, and a moment of challenge for Abbas.  Hamas is using its' 'victory' in its recent war with Israel to enhance its status.
"Each side is playing up its victory -- Hamas on the military side and Abbas on the diplomatic side -- and neither wants to compromise.  I think support for Hamas will continue to grow."
Bassam Ezbidi, professor, political science, Birzeit University, Ramallah

Hardly a surprising interpretation of events.  Flash and dash is represented by the derring-do of jihadist militias lobbing rockets across the border into Israel.  The flaccid approach of appealing to the General Assembly of the United Nations for an empty-of-meaning declaration of recognition as a nascent state is nice, but no cigar.

Abbas returned to Ramallah to acclaim by West Bank Palestinians.  Not to be compared to the wild adulation proffered to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh when he graced the West Bank with an unusual visit.  Capturing the besotted hearts and minds of West Bank Palestinians whose appreciation of defiance against the Palestinians' 'oppressors' far outdistanced their kindly regard for President Abbas.

That eight-day battle between the IDF and Hamas militias where air strikes matched rocketfire managed to accomplish little other than a return to the status quo; occasional rocket launchings and a passive IDF.  Victory as far as the Gazans are concerned, and business as usual for the Israelis, each sorrowing over their sorry lot in life, thanks to the intransigence of the other.

In withholding $100,000 million in taxes and customs revenues collected for the Palestinians, Israel is displaying its economic power.  And why should the Palestinian Authority believe it is entitled to withhold payment to Israel Electric Co. to begin with?  It is moot and appropriate that the outstanding account be settled.  Hold back on the gas for the PA as well.

Now, if Israel wanted to get tough it could stop taking in medical cases of Palestinians to be treated at Israeli hospitals, it could halt humanitarian aid in the provision of medicines and beefed up supplies to the Palestinians, and it could stop employment for Palestinians on construction and other sites, and instead resort to importing temporary workers from elsewhere eager to come to Israel.

Polls demonstrate that Palestinians want Hamas and Fatah to kiss and make up.  Their mutual antagonism is not good for unity of purpose.  Although Fatah insists it subscribes to non-violent means in its dealings with Israel - and that's a new modern-day track - and Hamas remains dedicated to entirely violent means to achieve its goal of destroying Israel, the truth is they're covertly on the same track.

And so are the majority of Palestinians.  Who want what is theirs retrieved from those who have no right to occupy it.  In their opinion.