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Palestinians Spar Over ‘Ariqat Document

Hamas has lashed out at Fatah-loyal chief negotiator Sa’ib ‘Ariqat and a controversial document that was leaked on Saturday. ‘Ariqat’s writing was critical of Palestinian Authority Mahmoud ‘Abbas in expressing the opinion that refusing to return to the bargaining table served Israel’s interest and threatened to end hopes of a two-state solution. He warned that because of the lack of talks, the Palestinian Authority might have to threaten to dissolve itself and end security liaisons with Israel. Hamas objected to ‘Ariqat calling the Hamas position of refusing to negotiate with Israel an “obstacle to peace.” Hamas accused ‘Ariqat of “seeing the Israeli occupation as a partner.”