Is a Palestinian civil war about to break out?
The Palestinian security service controlled by Hamas moved forcefully in the Gaza Strip on Sunday to disperse demonstrators loyal to the rival Fatah movement who were demanding months of back pay from a nearly bankrupt government. At least five civilians were killed, including two teenage boys, and more than 70 were injured in day-long clashes that marked the most severe partisan violence in months.
The fighting, which erupted in downtown Gaza City and later flared in the West Bank, came as Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas’ effort to form a power-sharing cabinet with Hamas has collapsed. The apparent failure has brought mutual recriminations between the two main Palestinian political movements at a time of a stifling economic crisis in the territories stemming from international sanctions against the Hamas-controlled government.
This could become very, very serious. As long as Hamas is not willing to renounce violence and accept / acknowledge Israel’s right to exist, the PA is – rightfully – not receiving money from Europe and the United States.
A civil war would be a great tragedy for all Palestinians. However, they cannot blame the West. The West quite clearly stated what Hamas has to do. Hamas is the one causing this pain and suffering. Not the West. Not Israel.
For Hamas to recognize Israel and renounce violence means that it has to change its Charter. In other words, it would have to give up its original goal(s). This would, in essence, mean defeat for Hamas, or it would – at least – be interpreted to be such by many Hamas supporters.
I’d say: call (for) new elections: lets see what the Palestinian people have to say now, after they witnessed the results of having Hamas in power for a while.
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