Hamas Leaders in Dispute Over Ideology
Hamas’ turbulent first month in power has laid bare brewing friction between the militant group’s Syria-based hard-line chief and elected leaders in the West Bank and Gaza. The dispute rages over one central issue — whether Hamas, whose charter calls for Israel’s destruction, should moderate its ideology. Party hierarchy places supreme power in the hands of Hamas chief Khaled Mashaal, who lives more than 100 miles away from the chaos and impoverishment of the West Bank and Gaza. However, with Hamas now running the Palestinian Authority, that balance of power could shift. Full Story