Palestine: a divided house is easily conquered

Palestine: a divided house is easily conquered
Comment: Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas should admit that the two-state solution is dead and stop what amounts to collusion with the occupation, says Jafar Ramini.
2 min read
28 May, 2015
Palestinians should realise they face a common and implacable foe [Getty]
Ever since Hamas kicked Fatah from the Gaza Strip in a bloody civil war, it is impossible to imagine reconciliation.

Fatah has recently said Hamas has conducted negotiations with Israel against the Palestinian national interest.

There have been many reports in the press recently about indirect negotiations under the auspices of Qatar and Turkey with a view to establishing a long-term truce.

Salah Bardawil, a senior Hamas member, said: "It is strange because Fatah defends direct negotiations with the Israeli occupation in every way.

"Indeed, it has had around a quarter of a century of negotiations with the occupation, and is still going through the worst kinds of discussions over security coordination."

What is sacred for Palestinians now?

Abbas himself is on record as saying that "security coordination with Israel is sacred".

Really? Sacred? I thought Jerusalem was sacred. The lives and dignity of our people is sacred. The right of return of millions of Palestinian refugees is sacred.

But no, Abbas has even given up his own right of return to appease the Israelis. But what am I saying? Isn't that why the authority was created, to police our people on behalf of Israel and consolidate the occupation? A sad and dangerous state of affairs indeed.

Contrast this division and infighting with the new government in Israel, united by nationalist fervour and a wish to dominate its perceived enemies.

Its ministers have variously stated that there will be no Palestinian state, and that the land of historic Palestine is for the Jews and no one else.

Abbas needs to open his eyes. He needs to recognise the truth.
Is there any hope for peace and coexistence?

The World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa has just concluded in Amman, Jordan. Those attending included Abbas and Shimon Peres, the former president of Israel.

Despite the total rejection of a Palestinian state by this united, right wing Israeli government, Abbas said in his speech: "We are holding on to a just peace and the two state solution, based on resolutions of international legitimacy, the Arab Peace Initiative and other signed agreements, to guarantee an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital."

How can Abbas see even the most remote possibility of this happening?

Abbas needs to open his eyes. He needs to recognise the truth and extend his hand to his brethren in Gaza, uniting the nation.

Opinions expressed in this article remain those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of al-Araby al-Jadeed, its editorial board or staff.