The other problem is that isolating Gaza undermines the policy of improving life in the West Bank.

ECONOMIST: We query a plan to rehabilitate Fatah and isolate Hamas

Thus, runs the theory, Mr Abbas will reap the praise for a better life in the West Bank, while Gazans' well-being will be at the mercy of a now-isolated Hamas.

ECONOMIST: From now on, the Palestinians are not themselves

While the star of Arab nationalism has fallen everywhere, among the Palestinians in the West Bank it is still alive, kept on life support by international aid, the Israeli military, and an unquantifiable sense of dread at the prospect of a Hamas takeover.

FORBES: Why Hasn't There Been Another Palestinian Intifada?

Israel says it plans to remove some of the nearly 600 checkpoints and roadblocks in the West Bank to help make life easier.

ECONOMIST: We query a plan to rehabilitate Fatah and isolate Hamas

Next door, in the West Bank, some Palestinians are living the high life in Ramallah.

CNN: This month on Inside the Middle East