Hamas leader, Sheikh Ahmad Yassin's release from an Israeli prison came amid a remarkable chain of events that seems to have helped inspire the first meeting of the Israeli and Palestinian leaders in eight months. Many feel that the botched Israeli assassination attempt of a Hamas leader in Jordan was a slip-up which has irrevocably changed the climate of the Middle East. Hamas used to have the support of a quarter of the Palestinians. With Yasser Arafat embracing Hamas leaders support can only be growing. Sheik Yassin vows Hamas will stop targeting civilians if Israel does. We trace this story of espionage, attempted murder and threats at the highest level. It might be just the tonic the peace process needs.

Produced by ABC Australia