Israelis and Palestinians: Contest for Control

For Palestinians, the New Year promises little reprieve from their multiple uncertainties. They and their leaders are divided between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, Fateh and Hamas. Their president says he wants to retire. Elections – due this month – cannot go ahead unless they resolve their differences or accept further fragmentation. The Israeli government prefers conflict management to resolution. The renewed efforts of the international community, invigorated by the seeming determination of United States President Barack Obama to bring the parties to the negotiating table have thus far foundered.