On 1 May 2017, Hamas published its ‘Document of General Principles and Policies', which sets out its new political platform.

The document suggests that Hamas would accept a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 lines, and thus implicitly agree to the existence of Israel within those borders. The document also denounces religious and ethnic extremism and bigotry. While various elements remain controversial, the new platform does bring Hamas' official position closer to the international mainstream and to the EU's stance on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The EU has an interest in supporting pragmatic evolution within Hamas rather than vindicating the hardliners who argue that progress can only be achieved through armed struggle.

1. What is the EU's response to Hamas's document and the opportunity for progress that it presents?

2. Will the EU take any reciprocal steps, such as relaxing its no-contact policy and opening up a channel for dialogue with pragmatic elements within Hamas?

3. Does the new platform provide grounds for the EU to consider only including Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam brigades, on the EU's list of designated terrorist groups, rather than the entire political movement?