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Ismail Haniyeh
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Mahmoud Abbas
Photo: AP

'Hamas not interested in escalation'

Foreign Ministry assessment suggest Gaza's rules will not overtly try to undermine Abbas' historic statehood bid; will wage battle over Palestinian public's opinion against move

A Foreign Ministry situation assessment compiled ahead of the Palestinian UN bid for statehood suggests that Hamas is unlikely to overtly undermine Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' appeal to the UN and will strive to contain any response on the ground in order to maintain a calm security situation and avoid clashes with Israeli security forces, Ynet learned on Thursday.

 

The report, which was presented to the cabinet, suggests that Hamas – which does not want to be depicted as one who opposes a historic move in the Palestinian's national history – will not voice any further objection to the PA's move.

 

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According to the assessment, another reason for the group's decision stems from the fact that its opposition to the move places it "on the same side" as Israel and the US – an affiliation it is desperate to avoid.

 

Hamas' post-PA bid response is somewhat of a puzzle to the defense establishment and the Foreign Ministry. Gaza's rulers have voiced their adamant objection to Abbas' move, and Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh has gone as far as to slam it as a "political adventure."

 

  • For full coverage of PA's statehood bid click here

 

Hamas is concerned that if the PA's move garners even partial success in the UN, Fatah will have proven to the Palestinian people in the West Bank – and more importantly in the Gaza Strip – that Hamas' path of resistance is far less effective that Fatah's path of diplomacy.

 

"Hamas will try to undermine Abu Mazen's achievements in the Palestinian public opinion and will underscore the difficulties in implementing them," the report said.

 

According to defense establishment assessments, Hamas – for the duration of the Palestinian move in the UN at least – strives to maintain a calm security situation and avoid confrontations with Israeli security forces.

 

"Hamas has no interest in an escalation, at least not in Gaza… They have no interest in turning attentions back to the south," the report said. "But should widespread violence erupt, it is likely to take part in it."

 

The report further noted that Hamas has barred any support rallies in Gaza for the Palestinian UN bid, but they might allow them in the future – in accordance with Abbas' achievements – to appease Gazans.

 

 

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 09.23.11, 00:04
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