this probably would be reported as a big step if not for this
what's remarkable is how mahmoud abbas got hamas to endorse the so-called "prisoner's initiative." first, by throwing his own weight behind it he got to adopt the moral credibility that the palestinian prisoners in israeli jails have with the palestinian populace. then by insisting that hamas back it and threatening a referendum if they didn't, he embarrassed hamas by making clear that a referendum probably would pass which undermined hamas' claim of a popular mandate. and so hamas basically gave in to abbas' demands, something i didn't expect at all.
of course, hamas likes to have it both ways. they probably won't bother to amend their charter or make any express signs that they recognize israel. they will tout their acceptance of the peace plan when it suits their purposes. and considering that israel has ruled out one bit of what the plan calls for (withdrawing to their 1967 borders, which would mean giving up east jerusalem), they're not in a lot of danger of israel calling their bluff.
and then there's that whole impending israeli strike on hamas' leadership hanging in the air. unless that gets diffused soon, hamas' implied recognition won't really go anywhere.
