What’s happening:
According to a recent interview with Bloomberg, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh expressed a willingness to involve Hamas as a junior partner under the PLO in the establishment of a new independent Palestinian state comprising the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.
Why it matters:
The inclusion of Hamas, an organization that has been at odds with the Palestinian Authority and is considered a terrorist group by Israel, signals a significant shift in Palestinian strategy towards unification. This move could reshape the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and impact international support for a two-state solution.
The bigger picture:
Shtayyeh’s comments come amidst discussions with U.S. officials about post-war management of the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that Israel’s objective to dismantle Hamas is unrealistic, advocating instead for a power-sharing arrangement. This proposal is part of broader efforts to secure international aid for relief and reconstruction in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s response:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the idea of Hamas’ participation, declaring that Israel intends to eradicate the group. Netanyahu argues that the very proposal from the Palestinian Authority confirms his stance against granting them control over Gaza post-conflict.
International involvement:
Arab states’ support is deemed crucial for any political plan’s success. While Israel has expressed reluctance to involve the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s reconstruction, Arab nations are open to engagement, seeking a more comprehensive initiative from Israel. The U.S. envisions this as an opportunity to revitalize the Palestinian Authority.
Strategic considerations:
Amidst the discussions, Israel has proposed creating a buffer zone along Gaza’s border to prevent future attacks, a notion that has been communicated to several neighboring Arab states and even non-Arab Turkey. However, U.S. officials, including National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, have opposed any plan that would diminish Palestinian territory.
What’s next:
As the region grapples with the aftermath of the war, Shtayyeh plans to seek financial support from Qatar to bolster the Palestinian Authority’s postwar aims. The evolving political landscape and Israel’s security strategies will continue to shape the future of Gaza and the prospects of peace in the region.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.