What led to the coup that ended Fatah's political presence in the Gaza Strip? Critics of the Mecca agreement were unhappy that Hamas was forced to offer concessions to Fatah, which they saw as too weak or corrupt to de serve them. Not only may Hamas have been unready to transition from an opposition group into a governing infrastructure, but Fatah, Israel and the U.S. torpedoed it at every turn.

Israeli governments have destroyed or weakened moderate Palestinian leadership, failing to undertake any measures that might have strengthened Mahmoud Abbas and imprisoning the few Hamas leaders willing to speak with Israel.

Add to this Ariel Sharon's successful effort to weaken the Palestinian Authority as well as Israel's undeclared policy of separating Gaza from the West Bank. Fatah carries its share of responsibility, with its divisions, corruption and indecisiveness. Let us not forget, however, the critical matter: Israel's failure to end the occupation throughout 40 years of increasing hardship and disappointment.

Divide-and-conquer will fail. Hamas cannot be isolated, and a different approach besides showering money and accolades on Abbas and Fatah is needed.

 Aref Assaf, Denville

The writer is president of the American Arab Forum.