The Fatah party might be part of a new Palestinian government with Hamas, under certain conditions, Palestinian Authority (P.A.) Chairman Mahmoud ‘Abbas said on Monday.
‘Abbas, a Fatah member, said the movement’s parliamentary bloc will negotiate with whoever is tasked with forming the government, if there is a shared basis.
This is the first indication since the January 25 legislative elections that Fatah might join the new government.
Hamas has a majority in the new parliament that was sworn into office on Saturday.
‘Abbas urged Hamas to recognize previous peace agreements with Israel.
‘Abbas met on Monday night with Isma’il Haniyya, who headed Hamas’ Change and Reform list in the elections. On Tuesday ‘Abbas is officially tasking Haniyya with forming the new government.
Haniyya has said he is aiming for a national unity government. He is seeking broad participation and Hamas members have approached several factions for this purpose.
The United States designates Hamas a terror organization, so getting senior Fatah representatives into the cabinet will present a more moderate face to the international community and might make Hamas’ leadership easier vis-à-vis the outside world.
There are reportedly disagreements within Fatah regarding whether to join a new government or not.