Fatah, Hamas Spat Undermines Chances of Success at Gaza Meeting

The Palestinian Authority leader, Mahmoud Abbas, center, with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia after reconciliation talks in Mecca  some years ago – Palestinian Authority photo.

Ramallah, 17 Rajab 1438/14 April 2017 (MINA) – Recent spat between the two chief Palestinian parties, Hamas and Fatah, has cast doubt over the possibility of bridging the rift at the anticipated meeting to be held in Gaza.

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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had earlier vowed to undertake decisive and unprecedented measures to end Hamas’ monopoly over Gaza.

Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad, which will be among the movement’s delegation visiting Gaza soon, said that he looked forward to Hamas agreeing to the government holding control over Gaza Strip—a move that would unite Palestinians and end strife.

Facilitated accesses to Gaza would enable the government to carry out its duties, such as solving an existing public sector staff crises, dealing with challenges facing Gaza, working on opening crossings, and launching reconstruction of infrastructure, Fatah leader Ismail Radwan said .

If the national unity government is to be empowered, it must implement the national reconciliation process or the ‘Mecca agreement,’ Radwan added.

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The Fatah–Hamas reconciliation process refers to a series of reconciliation attempts to resolve the hostility between Fatah and Hamas since the 2006—2007 Fatah–Hamas conflict and Hamas’ subsequent takeover of the Gaza Strip.

Desire to settle dispute and exit viscous circle of disagreement.

The Mecca agreement, signed between rival Palestinian groups, Hamas and Fatah on February 8, under the auspices of the Saudi leadership, was welcomed by thousands of cheering Palestinians throughout the Occupied Territories, and seen as the closing of a chapter of a bloody and tumultuous period of their history.

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Fatah’s delegation, put together by Abbas himself, expressed its desire to settle current disputes and exit the viscous circle of disagreement.

The delegation will be presenting a comprehensive initiative, on which when conceded, both blocs will move towards implementation. However, if the Fatah proposal does not gain Hamas’ approval, President Abbas will move towards a more aggressive and stringent policy against the latter, sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Ahmad told the official Palestinian radio station that he hoped understanding would prevail in the Gaza meeting.

Fatah central committee member Jamal Moheisen said on Wednesday in a speech at a mass rally that the Fatah delegation would be the last chance for Hamas to correct its stances with the legitimate authority.

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For its part, Hamas said that the independent Gaza Strip administrative committee should be abolished as soon as the inclusive government of national unity comes to effect. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)

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