Gazans Eagerly Await Impact of Palestinian Reconciliation

Saleh Arouri of Hamas (left) and Azzam al-Ahmad of Fatah (right) signing the reconciliation agreement in Cairo – WAFA photo.

Gaza, MINA – Two months after Hamas agreed to hand over Gaza to a Palestinian national unity government in the place of its own administrative committee, Gazans patiently await the fruits this move might present.

This process underwent a major test that could signal a breakthrough earlier this month as Hamas, one of the two major Palestinian parties, handed over three border crossings to the coalition government, which includes the other major player, Fatah, alongside other parties, wrote Wesam Abu Zaid for KUNA.

However, despite these signs, Gazans do not yet feel the effects of the move, as analysts believe that the true test lies in upcoming meetings brokered by Egypt scheduled in Cairo on November 21 between the various Palestinian factions.

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At a sluggish pace, reconciliation efforts are crucial for Palestinian politicians who need to end their state of division in order to focus unanimously on their aspirations for statehood amid Israel’s continuing settlement expansions and imposition of reality on Palestinian lands.

Palestinian researcher and columnist Akram Atallah believes that the agreement between the sides outlined administrative affairs over borders and the government only.

Atallah, however, says that the most crucial issues for this reconciliation lie in the presidential and legislative electoral processes.

He said that the factions should address these matters in haste, while Egypt’s role over proceedings is crucial through presenting its views on the affair.

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The importance of the talks was underlined further by political science professor Hamza Abu Shanab, as he suggested the sides could ratify the agreement reached between Hamas and Fatah, also in Cairo in 2011, which formed the basis of the joint government.

Fresh elections to give renewed hope

For these efforts to succeed, Abu Shanab outlined the need for fresh elections in order to give Palestinians renewed hope of a democratic future and reconciliation, and to mark an end to the state of division.

The talks are set to discuss five crucial factors, according to a senior Palestinian party figure, including the elections, a new government formation, social conciliation, public liberties and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, or the PLO.

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The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine’s (DFLP) Talal Abu Dareefa is hopeful that the talks would mark an end to the division, suggesting that the administrative and border handovers were clear signs that the process was heading on the right track.

However, he said the impacts of these plans remain unnoticed due to the continuing Israeli blockade on Gaza, which limits power and adequate healthcare for Gazans. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)