Mahmoud al-Zahar
Photo: AP
Hamas-Fatah deal at impasse
Mahmoud al-Zahar says Gaza-Ramallah reconciliation efforts stuck over structure of government bodies
Senior Hamas member Mahmoud al-Zahar said Tuesday that the reconciliation efforts between his organization and Fatah have come to a dead end.
According to al-Zahar, the bone of contention revolves around the structure of the PLO, government and legislative council.
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Al-Zahar also denied reports stating that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas Politburo Chief Khaled Mashaal traveled to Turkey last week in order to resolve their differences.
In an interview with Jordanian newspaper al-Dustur, al-Zahar blamed Fatah for "taking actions opposite to what was agreed upon."
Fatah, he added, is trying to unilaterally impose facts on the ground and "If this continues, we will unable to form a unity government."
The reconciliation between the rival Gaza factions has made the West very uncomfortable, as Hamas is included in every major international terror watch list.
Despite statements to the contrary, Fatah and Hamas have been unable to bridge any political gap which would see a unity government come to fruition.
One of the major hurdles is the decision on the new Palestinian premier: Fatah would like to see current Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad named for the position, while Hamas naturally prefers Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in the seat.
On Monday, the Arab media reported the Egypt had suggested naming Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for the position, along with two deputies – one based in Gaza and one based in Ramallah.
Elior Levy is Ynet's Palestinian affairs correspondent
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