Hamas' eligibility for PA elections

From a recent AP article:

Israel has demanded Abbas disarm the group [Hamas] -- in line with Palestinian obligations under the US-backed ''road map" peace plan.

Israel also opposes Hamas participation in parliament elections.

While the 'road map' is 'US-backed', it is also sponsored by the United Nations, European Union, and Russia, as well as signed by the Palestinian Authority itself.

Perhaps more importantly, Hamas is ineligible to participate in PA elections according to the Oslo Accords, which regulate election to the Palestinian Legislative Council. Parties or candidates that 'commit or advocate racism' or 'pursue the implementation of their aims by unlawful or non-democratic means... shall be refused, and such nomination... will be canceled.'

Why are these two important facts omitted in this, and nearly all, media coverage of the Hamas eligibility matter?

Comments to AP: feedback@ap.org

Posted at 07:07 PM