Following his most recent release from prison, Hassan “suggested the possibility of a two-state solution to the conflict. No one in Hamas had ever said anything like that” (223). However, Fatah was divided after Arafat’s death, with several looking to claim his mantle of leadership. Also, though Hamas was willing to participate in parliamentary elections, it had become an “awkward creature, hobbling along with one very long militant leg and one very short political leg” (224). It was a revolutionary organization, with few members open to compromise or negotiation, so a victory would poison negotiations with Israel and the West. Meanwhile, Yousef was frustrated with the political situation and was suddenly inspired to found a Palestinian team of computer assistants, a business idea that quickly proved successful. One day, a friend called Yousef’s attention to a Coptic priest on television, and his critiques of the Qur’an finally encouraged Yousef to break from Islam and adopt Christianity. He then met a group of American pilgrims, and after conversing with a girl in the group, she agreed to baptize him in the Mediterranean.

In September 2005, Yousef was with his father, who learned of an alleged Israeli air strike against Hamas.