On the one hand, there is Iran and its allies in the so-called "resistance" block, including Syria, the Palestinian group Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah.

VOA: standard.2010.03.18

In its report,the U.N.panel headed by South African Judge Richard Goldstone said Israeli forces and Palestinian Hamas forces committed violations of international law, including war crimes, during the 22-day conflict which left 1400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis dead.

VOA: standard.2009.11.04

In other words, if Mr Netanyahu stuck to his verbal guns, a deal with even the most malleable Palestinians, let alone with a unity government including Hamas, would be virtually inconceivable.

ECONOMIST: The United States, Israel and the Arabs

Shalit was 19 when he was captured on June 25, 2006, by Palestinian militants in Gaza, including those from Hamas, which now controls the territory.

CNN: Olmert blasts 'damaging' reports on kidnapped Israeli soldier

Regarding the tensions in the Middle East, Israel appears to be taking a very hard line against Hamas, including the likelihood of moving ground troops into the Gaza strip.

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