All articles tagged with #fatah
Palestinian Authority President Abbas faces protests and criticism after canceling the 'pay-for-slay' policy, replacing it with a needs-based system amid economic pressures and international criticism, sparking national debate over prisoners' rights and political integrity.
Officials from Fatah and Hamas will meet in China next week to discuss plans for Gaza's future post-Israel-Hamas war. Previous attempts to bridge the gap between the two groups have been unsuccessful, with Fatah criticizing Hamas for actions that have allegedly sabotaged efforts to establish a Palestinian state.
China will host senior officials from Hamas and Fatah next week in an effort to bridge gaps between the rival Palestinian factions, which is seen as crucial for the postwar governance and rebuilding of Gaza. Despite previous unsuccessful mediation attempts, China continues to position itself as a peace broker, with meetings scheduled between the factions and China's foreign minister, Wang Yi.
Palestinian officials from Fatah blame Hamas for the recent conflict with Israel, criticizing the group's lavish lifestyle in Qatar and ties to Iran. Fatah questions Hamas' decision-making and denounces their opposition to the appointment of new Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa. Meanwhile, Hamas calls for unified leadership and free elections, while Mustafa is tasked with unifying administration in the West Bank and Gaza, leading reforms, and fighting corruption. The United States expects the new government to deliver credible reforms for stability in the region.
Israel may be cooperating with Fatah to bring humanitarian aid into Gaza, with a "guard squad" accompanying aid trucks to protect them from attack or theft. This development comes amid sharp criticism of Hamas by Fatah, which accuses Hamas of causing a catastrophic disaster in Gaza and prioritizing war over the needs of the Palestinian people. Additionally, there are reports that Israel is considering using international private security companies to protect aid shipments entering Gaza.
The Palestinian Authority's Fatah faction has blamed Hamas for the current "Nakba," accusing them of causing disastrous outcomes and questioning their commitment to national priorities. This comes in response to Hamas's critique of the appointment of new Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, with Fatah mocking Hamas and questioning their decisions, including the 2007 coup and their alliance with Iran. The two factions have a history of rivalry, with Fatah highlighting Hamas's luxurious lifestyle in Qatar and their abandonment of the Palestinian people during conflicts. Hamas, however, has been gaining popularity in the Palestinian street, recording successes in local and student elections.
Representatives of Fatah and Hamas are set to meet in Moscow to discuss the formation of a unified Palestinian government and the reconstruction of Gaza, as confirmed by the Palestinian ambassador to Russia and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov.
Recent polling in Israel and Palestine reveals a stark contrast in public opinion regarding the future governance of Gaza. The majority of Israelis believe it is "very important" to topple the Hamas regime in Gaza, while Palestinians increasingly support Hamas as the most deserving group to lead them. Dissatisfaction with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has grown, with a significant number of Palestinians demanding his resignation. In a hypothetical election, Hamas Chairman Ismail Haniyeh would now win by a landslide against Abbas. The challenge lies in the opposing desires of Israelis to destroy Hamas and Palestinians to elevate it, highlighting the complexity of Gaza's future governance.
The Israeli army conducted an operation in Tul Karm, West Bank, resulting in the killing of four Palestinians, including two Hamas and Fatah members. The army claims that the individuals were responsible for numerous shooting attacks and had plans for further attacks in Israeli territory.
NPR interviews with Palestinians in the West Bank reveal that Hamas enjoys political support among Palestinians, despite not ruling in the West Bank. The Fatah party, which governs the West Bank, is politically weak and has lost standing due to its cooperation with Israel. It is unlikely that Fatah would take over from Hamas in Gaza. The future governance of Gaza remains uncertain if Hamas is toppled, as Israel's options are limited and controversial.
Four Palestinians were killed during clashes with Israeli forces in the West Bank, while Israeli troops arrested a senior official in Fatah and raided terror infrastructure. The arrest of Atta Abu Rumaila, the secretary-general of Fatah in Jenin, was carried out without resistance. Israeli forces also uncovered explosive devices and an underground tunnel used by gunmen in Jenin. In response to the raids and the fighting in Gaza, Fatah called for a general strike in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Five Lebanese soldiers were injured, including one in critical condition, after shells fired during clashes between Fatah and Islamist militants in the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in southern Lebanon hit military positions. The clashes, which began on Thursday night, have displaced hundreds and resulted in the deaths of at least six people. Rockets and bullets have fallen in areas outside of the camp, and efforts to implement a ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful. Lebanese MP Ashraf Rifi has called for the security of Palestinian refugee camps to be placed under the control of the Lebanese government and accused Iran-backed militant groups of playing a "dangerous role" in the tensions. The Red Cross initially set up tents for displaced Palestinians, but they were later taken down due to complaints by local residents.
Clashes between rival factions, Fatah and hardline groups, have resumed in Lebanon's Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp, resulting in at least 20 people injured and prompting residents to flee. The camp, housing over 63,000 registered refugees, has been a battleground for decades-long power struggles. The recent violence follows street battles that left 13 dead and forced hundreds to flee. An uneasy truce had been in place since August 3, but clashes were expected to resume as the accused killers of a Fatah general were not handed over to the Lebanese judiciary. The fighting temporarily subsided on Friday, with no immediate reports of deaths.
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon after a week of internal fighting between Fatah and Islamist groups in the Ein el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp. The clashes have resulted in 13 deaths, dozens of injuries, and the displacement of thousands. Fatah has accused the Islamists of killing a Fatah military general. Lebanon's caretaker prime minister has called for an end to the violence and warned that Lebanese troops may intervene. The Lebanese army generally does not enter the Palestinian camps, which are controlled by various factions. Palestinian refugees and their descendants do not receive the same rights and benefits as Lebanese citizens.
Lebanon's caretaker prime minister has warned Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that the Lebanese army may have to intervene if the dayslong fighting between Palestinian factions in the Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp continues. The clashes, which have left dozens dead and wounded, have been described as a "flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty." The fighting has displaced thousands and disrupted daily life in the area, with stores closed and roads blocked. The UN refugee agency for Palestinian refugees has been unable to deliver much-needed assistance to those affected. The Lebanese army has historically stayed out of the Palestinian camps, but the situation may change if the violence persists.