Where does Hamas' policy document leave Islamic Jihad?
Despite strong bilateral ties, differences over the new policy document emerged between Hamas and Islamic Jihad, raising questions on the future of their relations.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — When Khaled Meshaal, the former head of Hamas' political bureau, announced a Hamas policy document May 1 from Doha, Qatar, this brought a critical response from Islamic Jihad.
Strong relations have always existed between Islamic Jihad and Hamas, not only because both movements are Islamist, but also because they have both embraced armed resistance against Israel as the sole option to liberate Palestine. This is in addition to their military cooperation in the Gaza Strip and joint political stances rejecting PLO political discourse based on negotiations and recognizing Israel.
