Hamas continues its attempts to break the political siege imposed on it since it won the 2006 legislative elections by meeting with Western officials. The latest of such meetings was held in Qatar on June 5, between the head of Hamas’ political bureau, Khaled Meshaal, and the former envoy of the Quartet, Tony Blair. They discussed the future of the truce between Hamas and Israel, and the fate of the Israeli soldiers who have been held captive by the movement since the Gaza war in the summer of 2014.

On June 25, Hamas launched its official website in English. The day before, Hamas announced in a press statement that the English-language website is part of the movement’s efforts to promote communication with the West.

Hamas’ English-language website allows Western Internet users to learn about its positions and news. The website also includes a forum that answers the questions posed by Westerners, and an archive.

There are several websites that are affiliated with Hamas, such as the Palestinian Information Center, which is available in Arabic, English, Persian, French, Turkish, Urdu and Russian. However, Hamas’ new website talks in the movement’s name, publishes its positions and clarifies its opinions. Western Internet users and decision-makers can browse the website to learn about Hamas’ official view on the Palestinian, regional and international events.