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Source: http://washingtoninstitute.org/templateC05.php?CID=2908
The Unlikely Prospects for an Israeli-Palestinian Agreement in 2008
[Washington Institute for Near East Policy] Lt.-Gen. (ret.) Amnon Lipkin-Shahak - Since its takeover of Gaza, Hamas has replaced Fatah in terms of corruption. Hamas members and officers are the only people with gas in their vehicles; they have the best jobs, and seem to be doing fine while the rest of the population struggles. Hamas seems to be quite strong in the West Bank - with a great deal of political support and many weapons caches - but the PA and the Israeli army have kept it under control. The larger question is where and when it will come out of the West Bank shadows. Hamas will not accept any agreement between Palestinians and Israelis. If such an agreement were signed, Hamas would oppose it and renew violence. In Israel, many do not trust the PA. Even those who have always supported reconciliation with the Palestinians have begun to question whether Abbas and his colleagues can implement an agreement. No agreement can be achieved without the PA implementing law and order in the West Bank and Gaza.