Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Fatah Rejects Hamas’ ‘Unrealizable Conditions’ | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addresses reporters after a meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel in Brussels, Belgium, February 9, 2017. REUTERS/Yves Herman


Ramallah – Fatah Movement has rejected an initiative submitted by Hamas to end current divisions, describing the conditions set by the group as “unrealizable”.

On Thursday, Hamas announced its readiness to dissolve its administrative committee as soon as the Palestinian Unity Government assumes all its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip and provided that the PA takes on the obligation of hiring and managing the current members of the committee.

Hamas’ Polibureau member, Salah Bardawil, called for the immediate cancellation of all measures imposed on Gaza, in parallel with the immediate start of a national dialogue, consultations to form a government of national unity and the activation of the legislative council.

Bardawil also called for preparations of presidential and legislative elections “that would come out with the best interests of the Palestinian people.”

In comments to Asharq Al-Awsat, well-informed sources in Fatah described what Hamas has proposed as an “initiative of impossible requirements.”

“There is a roadmap set by President Mahmoud Abbas, which includes dissolving the administrative committee and enabling the unity government to work properly, and then forming a government of national unity with the participation of Hamas and holding general elections,” the sources said.

Abbas has taken a series of steps against the Gaza Strip to force Hamas to dissolve its administrative committee. These included cutting salaries, stopping payment of electricity and fuel, and abolishing tax exemptions.

State employees in Gaza were surprised by new measures on Thursday that cut the salaries of thousands of people who were hired in 2005.

The sources noted that those measures were aimed at exerting pressure on Hamas and would be lifted once reconciliation is achieved.