Topic: Mahmoud Zahar

Restart of talks uncertain as Palestinian prime minister skips Israeli meeting

Salam Fayyad did not attend a scheduled meeting Tuesday with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Other senior Palestinian officials delivered a letter to Netanyahu with a list of demands before talks can resume.

Gilad Shalit's freedom marks a milestone

Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier was freed today after being held for more than five years in Gaza. Some 477 Palestinian prisoners were released at the same time.

Palestinian statehood bid: Why Hamas has stayed on sidelines

Hamas has yet to officially declare its stance on the Palestinian statehood bid, to be launched at the UN this week. If the bid fails, the Islamist movement could expand its power in the West Bank.

Palestinian unity deal gives Netanyahu new line of attack

In upcoming visits to the US and Europe, Israel's prime minister is likely to argue against UN recognition of Palestinian statehood now that Hamas is joining Fatah at the helm.

What Egypt's unrest could mean for Hamas

Both Israel and Palestinian Authority officials fear the empowerment of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt might prompt Cairo to ease access to Gaza, and help Hamas consolidate its rule there.

Can ignoring Hamas lead to Israeli-Palestinian peace?

Hamas, the Islamist movement that controls Gaza, is being ignored in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Some think that's a big mistake.

Second Hamas attack could change focus of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks

Hamas attacked Israeli settlers again Wednesday, vowing a wave of violence that could shift today's Israeli-Palestinian peace talks from settlements to security.

For Hamas, an end to Gaza's tunnel trade may be only the beginning

As Israel eases the Gaza blockade, Hamas is positioned to strengthen its grip on the Gaza Strip. The Gaza tunnel trade that thrived under the blockade provided tax revenues and helped Hamas stay firmly in control.

Gilad Shalit: Israel-Hamas prisoner exchange talks stalled

As the parents of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit mark their fourth Passover without their son, Israel-Hamas prisoner exchange talks that would release Sgt. Shalit have reportedly broken down over internal Hamas disagreements.

Hamas threatens to take fight against Israel beyond Gaza

After blaming Israeli agents for assassinating a Hamas official in Dubai on Friday, Hamas said it too could broaden the conflict beyond Israel and Gaza. But analysts are doubtful Hamas can pull it off.

Arabs tackle free speech taboo

Across the Middle East, what would never happen in polite company now appears on broadcasts of The Doha Debates – discussion of controversy.

Israel launches airstrikes in Gaza Monday

Israel said it was responding to rocket attacks Sunday.

Is freedom near for captive Israeli soldier?

Hamas says that Gilad Shalit could be released in a week, but terms of a deal with Israel keep shifting.

Palestinian hostilities flare in Gaza

Explosions and a Hamas-led crackdown on the rival Fatah Party has raised tensions to their highest levels since Hamas seized control of the Palestinian territory in 2007.

World

A year later: Hamas still defiant, but Gazans continue to struggle

The Islamist militant group has controlled the coastal strip for a year now and says it will not relent to international pressure.

Can Egypt broker Hamas-Israel truce?

Cairo is working hard for a cease-fire, partly to curb Iran's growing clout.

Palestinians feud, but Egypt and Hamas working more closely

Meeting in Cairo fails to mend the divide between President Abbas and Hamas over Gaza border.

World

Gaza strike hardens Hamas position

In an interview, key Hamas strategist Mahmoud Zahar discusses how his movement has been preparing for a potentially imminent Israeli assault on Gaza.

Abroad, fresh image of U.S.

Many see Obama, Clinton successes as fitting the ideals of US democracy and diversity.