Palestinian Factions Seek Reconciliation Amid Escalating West Bank Violence

Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, met in Egypt to discuss reconciliation efforts amidst escalating violence in the occupied West Bank. The meeting, initiated by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, aimed to address the long-standing division between the groups. However, no details were disclosed about the discussions. The West Bank has witnessed intense fighting due to Israeli raids, which Palestinians argue undermine their security forces and leadership. The meeting provided an opportunity for Abbas to project control and statesmanship, given his unpopularity and limited maneuverability. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad boycotted the gathering to protest the detentions of its members by the Palestinian Authority. Egypt has been mediating between Palestinian factions and has previously helped broker truces between Israel and Hamas.