The Hamas electoral victory in January 2006 sparked a debate as to the best way to approach the organization. Should Hamas be engaged? If so, on what terms and for what end? Should the Palestinians opt for a national unity arrangement or does the current differentiation open opportunities for a breakthrough in the peace process? This debate has further intensified after the Hamas takeover of Gaza in June 2007and has become even more topical as diplomatic activity in the region picks up towards the proposed Fall meeting.