The 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections were a significant event in the context of Israeli-Palestinian relations. The political party Hamas won a majority of the seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council, which led to a complex and often tense relationship with Israel.
Hamas is known for its militant stance against Israel and has historically called for the elimination of the Israeli state. This position, along with its use of violence and armed resistance, has significantly influenced the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In contrast, the more moderate Palestinian Authority, led by Fatah, previously dominated Palestinian politics and was more open to negotiating with Israel.
The election of Hamas created concerns in Israel and among many international entities, as Hamas's charter, which included calls for the destruction of Israel, was widely viewed as incompatible with the peace process. The post-election period saw increased tensions, including clashes between Hamas and Fatah and military confrontations with Israel.
The mention of "security barriers" refers to Israel's construction of barriers in response to violence and attacks from Palestinian territories, which Israel argues are necessary for its security. Hamas's election did not change Israel's approach to these security measures.
In summary, the relationship between Palestinians and Israel became more strained following Hamas's election in 2006, primarily due to Hamas's stance on Israel and the ongoing conflict between different Palestinian factions.