Abbas. Threatened Hamas?
Photo: Reuters
Mashal. Caved in?
Photo: Reuters
‘Abbas threatened; Hamas caved in’
Hamas truce announcement result of Palestinian leader’s threats, Al-Hayat newspaper says. During visit to Egypt, Abbas expected to get 'green light' for campaign against terror group, discuss statehood talks with Israel
What brought on the Hamas' recent surprise cease-fire announcement?
According to the London-based Arabic-language newspaper al-Hayat, the move was the result of explicit threats on Hamas leader Khaled Mashal made by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.
Al-Hayat quoted senior officials as saying Abbas threatened Hamas with direct confrontation if the organization continues firing Qassams at Israel.
Abbas is also expected to try and obtain a "green light" for an attack on Hamas during his meetings in Cairo Tuesday, if the organization does not put an end to aggressions, particularly when "there are elements trying to drag the Hamas into open confrontation with the PA," the newspaper wrote.
Hamas fears losing power
Hamas fears that the recent wave of IDF arrests of its activists in the West Bank, in which hundreds of the movement's political candidates were detained, will diminish its power and influence.
Sources in the organization are especially concerned over losing seats in the third stage of the municipal elections, set to take place in the West bank Wednesday, and in the legislative council elections in the West Bank.
The newspaper also reported that senior Egyptian officials were acting in a bid to ensure both sided keep to the cease-fire agreement, despite Islamic Jihad declarations it intends to resume rocket attacks on Israel.
Egyptian intervention
Egyptian Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman recently held talks with Hamas leader Khaled Mashal and with the Hamas leadership. Following these talks, senior Egyptian officials called on the Islamic Jihad leadership in Gaza and Damascus to abide by internal Palestinian cease-fire understandings.
The same officials were also in contact with Israel, urging it to show restraint and refrain from military actions in the Strip.
Al-Hayat writes that France also exerted pressure on Israel, in a bid to convince Jerusalem "not to undermine the Palestinian efforts to enforce order." According to the newspaper, the EU called on Israel and the Palestinians not to miss out on the opportunity presented by the pullout.
Statehood talks to be discussed
Meanwhile, Abbas is scheduled to arrive in Cairo Tuesday night to meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and discuss the escalation in the Gaza Strip. Abbas is also expected to raise the subject of the Rafah border crossing as well as Palestinian statehood talks with the United States and Israel.
Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister Marwan Muasher revealed Tuesday that king Abdullah will try to mediate between Israel and the Palestinians and deliver "Palestinian demands to the Israelis." Abdullah will do so during his anticipated visit to the territories and Israel next week. Muasher also made clear in his statement that Jordan has no demands over the West Bank.
