Hamas considering Abbas’ offer
Photo: Reuters
Hamas, Fatah may join forces
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas again calls on Hamas, Islamic Jihad to join Palestinian national unity government; senior Hamas figure says group considering possibility of joining cabinet before pullout
TEL AVIV – Senior Fatah figures, headed by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, have reiterated their call on the Hamas and Islamic Jihad to join a national unity government.
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Notably, several days ago Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia called on the groups to join the government on the grounds that the current situation constitutes a time of emergency. According to other reports, Qureia is also considering a new round of government appointment and the replacement of nine ministers.
The Hamas and Islamic Jihad welcomed the ruling Fatah’s call to form a joint government. Hamas spokesman Sami abu-Zuhari said the group’s position is that “a body that would constitute a national source of authority and be comprised of all Palestinian forces and factions should be established.”
However, he also said this did not necessarily need to be done through the formation of a unity government.
“In principle, the notion of collective action is positive, but there’s an argument on the means,” he said.
Hamas leadership in Gaza an abroad to make decision
A senior Hamas source, however, said the group is considering the proposal to form a government with the Fatah before the pullout so both groups could monitor the situation and assuming responsibility over transferring control over evacuated areas.
The source noted the movement’s leadership in Gaza and abroad would make a final decision on the matter.
Meanwhile, senior Islamic Jihad figure Khaled al-Batash said the offer to join a unity government is under consideration. However, he noted his group would postpone discussion of the matter until after “Israel withdraws from all Palestinian land.”
On another front, the Fatah’s Central Committee, which convened in Jordan, decided Friday to hold elections for the Palestinian legislature no later than January 20, 2006.
The elections were originally slated to be held on July 17 but were later postponed, partly because of Fatah fears over the increasing strength of Hamas, which had some impressive showings in Palestinian municipal elections.
