The United Nations warned against cutting off aid to the Palestinian Authority after U.S. and European states indicated that they would halt funding once the militant group Hamas takes over the Palestinian government.

The militant group Hamas, the winner of Palestinian parliamentary elections held in January, took the first steps to forming a government by appointing a prime minister. Following a background report, two experts discuss the appointment and chances for negotiations with…

Three experts debate the future of Hamas now that militant party must run the Palestinian Authority and decide how deal with Israel -- a task made more difficult by many Fatah supporters's vehement opposition to a Hamas-run parliament.