Hamas unwilling to jeopardize Palestinian reconciliation
The Hamas-Fatah crisis in the Gaza Strip has reached a stalemate, with Hamas hesitant to take control of the Gaza Strip and risk being accused of undermining the Palestinian unity government.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The Palestinian government formed by the Hamas and Fatah movements and led by Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah is standing still, the two movements' differences over the government’s control of the Gaza Strip and the escalation of statements unresolved. Each party accuses the other of failing to solve Gaza’s problems, manage the reconstruction process and lift the siege.
Hamas does not hesitate to accuse the Hamdallah government of discrimination, considering it an “executive tool” in the hands of President Mahmoud Abbas. In a number of statements, the movement has threatened to look for alternatives to replace the government in Gaza, but did say Jan. 17 that it will “give the government a chance to work.”
