Israel Matzav

The Fayyad plan for Gaza

'Palestinian Prime Minister' Salam Fayyad has proposed a 'settlement' between Hamas and Fatah.

The details of Fayyad's plan appeared vague but proposed leaving much of the status quo in place. He said Hamas could retain security control in Gaza under his proposal as long as it preserved a cease-fire with Israel. Fayyad would continue to govern from the West Bank, and would work with Hamas to place both territories under a single governing authority.

"The split has been too long and should not continue, and it won't end by itself. We need to move to end the split," Fayyad said.

Fayyad refused to say who might lead the unity government, saying this would have to be worked out in negotiations. He said that as long as Hamas, which has fired thousands of rockets at Israel, agrees to maintain calm, all other issues could be resolved.

Fayyad wants to travel to Gaza to negotiate with Hamas. So does Nabil Sha'ath. But Hamas is suspicious:

On Monday, Hamas leader Salah al-Bardawil said that despite the lack of an "official initiative," by the PA to create the unity government, the Gaza-based group was inclined to work towards reconciliation founded on "full partnership, based on national constants and upholding the right to resist," according to the report.

Bardawil added, however, that "Fayyad does not represent the Palestinian leadership" and that due to his lack of legitimacy, the PA prime minister is "not authorized to speak about public affairs," Ma'an reported.

Hmmm. I wonder if he thinks that Abu Bluff - whose term expired two years ago - is legitimate and authorized to speak about public affairs. For that matter, the same could be said about Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

What could go wrong?

Labels: Hamas-Fatah reconciliation, Ismail Haniyeh, Nabil Sha'ath, Salah Bardawil, Salam Fayyad

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:33 PM