But for one wing of the Palestinians, the normalization of Israel’s situation in the region is taking place in a process that marginalizes all the demands of the movement in Gaza. The Palestinian issue is no longer mobilized in the Arab League, and the situation of this group is beginning to falter. For many in the region, the idea of peace with the creation of two states is now just a distant dream. In practice, a Palestinian wing accuses some Arabs of treason.
Internally, the Palestinian political leadership, Fatah, is completely discredited and does not even threaten to hold elections, knowing full well that it would be the big loser.
By firing rockets, Hamas is attempting to finally bury Fatah, presenting itself to a new generation of nonconformist Palestinians as its true representatives, and attempting to torpedo and block dialogue between the Arab world and Israel.
The attack is also an indirect message from the Iranians to the Saudis that the rapprochement between Israel and Ryad is not valued.
Essentially, Hamas is sending a message to the region: Nothing works without us.
The problem, diplomats say, is that by killing dozens of innocent civilians the group is deepening international rejection and justifying the political isolation it suffers in key capitals of power.