The PLO and Fatah-Hamas Reconciliation: What does it all mean?
The Arab world is undergoing a rapid change; a democratic tide is sweeping through the region, and the Arab people are demanding reforms and political freedoms from their governments. Palestine is no different. For years, the Palestinian people have been politically divided. Recent demonstrations throughout the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have called for an end to these divisions, which have negatively impacted the ability of Palestinians to confront their problems united. In response to the legitimate aspirations of our people, major Palestinian political factions came together last week, and agreed to end the divisions and work to bring freedom and dignity to the Palestinian people. This agreement will positively impact the Palestinian people, and will advance the quest for peace and independence. Reconciliation should not be viewed as a threat or a risk, because without uniting our ranks, the Palestinian leadership cannot reach an agreement to end the conflict.
- What does the reconciliation agreement entail?
The reconciliation agreement calls for the formation of an independent government of technocrats for a period of one year, NOT a unity government as has been mistakenly stated by some in the US and Israel. This government’s primary mandate is to prepare for legislative and presidential elections in May 2012, and to rebuild the Gaza Strip, still in ruins more than 2 years after Israel’s assault. It will have no role in negotiations or political issues, which rest firmly in the hands of the PLO. President Abbas, who remains President of the Palestinian National Authority, will continue to implement his political agenda, and the interim government will adhere to all previous agreements and commitments the PLO signed with Israel. Basically, the mandate of the interim government will not vary significantly from the one currently in place.
- Who will lead this government?
The Palestinian Government is mandated by our constitution, the Basic Law. As such, it will remain President Abbas's government, and will implement his agenda. All members of the new cabinet in the interim government, including the Prime Minister, must be approved by President Abbas.
- What does this mean for the negotiations process?
The PLO, headed by President Abbas, who is also the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the PLO, will continue to handle all political and negotiation issues. The PLO, as re-iterated recently by President Abbas, is still committed to all agreements previously signed with Israel, which call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The PLO will NOT change its position. The reconciliation agreement signed last week will have no impact on negotiations.
- What role will Hamas play in policy-making?
None. The reconciliation agreement is solely a framework agreement to prepare the occupied Palestine territory for elections and to rebuild the Gaza Strip. Policy-making remains in the hands of President Abbas and his cabinet, who remain committed to building the institutions of the Palestinian state and achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
- What about security?
Current security arrangements on the ground will not be affected. One aspect of the agreement is to establish a committee to define the role of Palestinian Security Forces after the elections of May 2012. The efforts of the PNA, with the support of the US, to build a professional, capable security system will continue, and there are no plans to abandon the model we have been using successfully. Palestinian Security Forces will continue to protect Palestinian citizens, and affirm the rule of law and stability in Palestinian territories under our control.
In light of the above, calls in Washington to cut off aid do not have a legal basis. Hamas will not be a part of the Palestinian government or the PLO during this transitional period, and the Palestinian leadership remains committed to a peaceful resolution to the conflict. It defeats the purpose of US objectives in the region to undermine the PNA and PLO at this critical juncture. In fact, this reconciliation provides an important opportunity for the US, Israel, and the entire world to advance efforts to achieve peace in the region.
