Belal Shobaki

What’s behind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent expulsion of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH) – a group that had monitored human rights in the city for more than 20 years? Al-Shabaka Analyst Belal Shobaki sheds light on Netanyahu’s move and suggests ways for the international community to better defend Palestinian rights.

Al-Shabaka is pleased to share this policy memo by policy analyst Belal Shobaki, which details current considerations Hamas may be taking into account given news of the party's likely decision to amend its charter.

Israel and some Arab states have been tarring Hamas and Daesh with the same brush despite key differences and, indeed, enmity. Al-Shabaka Policy Member Belal Shobaki shows how Hamas differs from Daesh in jurisprudence, the nature of the state, and relations with other religions. He cautions that excluding moderate Islamists could drive some to embrace extremism.

Palestinian parties remain entrenched in the political system despite their splits and weaknesses. What role can they play within - or outside - the PLO and what other avenues exist for national or local leadership? While some Al-Shabaka policy analysts offer ideas beyond the current political set-up, others suggest ways to make the current structure work.

Hamas’s putative rapprochement with Iran scratches the surface of the problems facing the Islamic movement. Al-Shabaka Policy Member Bilal Shobaki zeroes in on three of Hamas’ major challenges: definitively dealing with a Charter from which it has distanced itself; reviving its base in the West Bank; and restoring it regional alliances.