A two-state solution: Gaza and Palestine

The coming news from Gaza is disturbing to say the least. Gaza is almost and for the first time under complete control of Hamas forces. As a senior Hamas leader stated: "Gaza has been re-liberated;" apparently this time from Fatah control. So what is the implication of Hamas' control of Gaza? Many.

Now the Palestinian unity government may be dissolved under a proposal being considered by Fatah leader and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. A decree from Abbas will appoint an emergency Fatah-led government that will run the territories till a new election will be arranged in the future. This of course will affect Hamas leadership who has been enjoying unprecedented protection from Israel retaliation because of their diplomatic status. Additionally, this will prevent the money that Hamas led-government receives from some Arab nations such as Qatar and others to reach to the hand of Hamas which has been obviously used to boost its military and power and presence.

On the other hand, Israel has expressed concern about the possibility that Gaza could be solely controlled by Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Tuesday if Hamas gains control of Gaza it would have "regional implications" and he called for an international force to patrol the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent Hamas radicals from importing new and more powerful weapons into Gaza. Hamas spokesman in Beirut immediately rejected such an idea and declared that any international force will be considered as a new occupation for the liberated Islamic "Gaza"

The military rise of Hamas is also bad news for moderate Arab states such as Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia and another indication of the rise in the influence of Iran in the region. All of these countries have an Islamic radical element within their borders that might be inspired by the victory of Hamas. For Jordan, the last development indefinitely delays any kind of conversation about a potential confederation between Jordan and Palestine; since as of today there are two states in Palestine(one in Gaza that has a green flag and another in the West Bank that raises the previous one (black-green and red) flag).

The expected scenario in the next hours will probably include the dissolution of the government, a revenge course that already started in the West Bank against Hamas' military and political presence and more cooperation between Fatah and Israel to finish Hamas politically and military. Saying that, previous attempts to eradicate Hamas in the past ended in failure and was counterproductive. The question is that whether this chapter of Hamas' reign will be the first or the last of their destiny?!The answer of this question is unknown at least for now, but surely we are living in interesting times.