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Many in the United States and Israel believe that Hamas is nothing but a terrorist organization, and that its social sector serves merely to recruit new supporters for its violent agenda. Based on Sara Roy's extensive fieldwork in the Gaza Strip and West Bank during the critical period of the Oslo peace process, Hamas and Civil Society in Gaza shows how the social service activities sponsored by the Islamist group emphasized not political violence but rather community development and civic restoration.

Many in the United States and Israel believe that Hamas is nothing but a terrorist organization, and that its social sector serves merely to recruit new supporters for its violent agenda. Based on Sara Roy's extensive fieldwork in the Gaza Strip and West Bank during the critical period of the Oslo peace process,Hamas and Civil Society in Gazashows how the social service activities sponsored by the Islamist group emphasized not political violence but rather community development and civic restoration. Roy demonstrates how Islamic social institutions in Gaza and the West Bank advocated a moderate approach to change that valued order and stability, not disorder and instability; were less dogmatically Islamic than is often assumed; and served people who had a range of political outlooks and no history of acting collectively in support of radical Islam. These institutions attempted to create civic communities, not religious congregations. They reflected a deep commitment to stimulate a social, cultural, and moral renewal of the Muslim community, one couched not only--or even primarily--in religious terms. Vividly illustrating Hamas's unrecognized potential for moderation, accommodation, and change,Hamas and Civil Society in Gazaalso traces critical developments in Hamas's social and political sectors through the Second Intifada to today, and offers an assessment of the current, more adverse situation in the occupied territories. The Oslo period held great promise that has since been squandered. This book argues for more enlightened policies by the United States and Israel, ones that reflect Hamas's proven record of nonviolent community building.

Discusses Operation Cast Lead, Israel's assault & invasion of Gaza. What the military action was meant to accomplish vis-a-vis Hamas is considered, noting the Israeli manipulation of related discourse. The Israeli strategy against Hamas is examined from a sociological perspective that highlights Israeli security culture. Hamas' objectives & efforts are next outlined, & the issue of Hamas' apparent refusal to recognize Israel touched on. It is asserted that while Hamas accepts the prospect of a two-state solution, Operation Cast Lead suggests that the Israeli government rejects such a vision. Hamas' use of violence is addressed, particularly with respect to internal Palestinian politics & its desire to focus on governance in Gaza. Central to this are Hamas-Fatah tensions, contending that at its heart is a struggle for who can channel popular resistance to Israel & justify it. In this light, attention is given to Hamas' shift toward moderation. Recommendations for dealing with the Israeli-Palestinian crisis are presented. D. Edelman. Adapted from the source document.

Hamas is central to Israeli security & Palestinian politics, yet the international community refuses to work with it. This is a mistake. Hamas might possibly be convinced not to undermine progress on a peace deal. Israel & the international community should exploit Hamas' vulnerabilities with a mix of coercion & concessions -- including a further easing of the siege of Gaza. Adapted from the source document.