Hamas leaders in Gaza have finalized a plan proposing talks with rival Fatah faction to heal the widening divisions between the West Bank and Gaza, sources within the Islamic movement have revealed.
The plan proposes handing over the Hamas-controlled security compounds in Gaza to the Egyptians until a deal is reached for restructuring the security services and stabilizing the political situation by forming a unity government from all factions, the sources added.
The Hamas plan, which will be released by deposed Hamas prime minister Isma’il Haniyya, calls for the cancellation of all presidential decrees issued by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud ‘Abbas following the Hamas takeover of Gaza last June.
In retaliation for the Gaza takeover ‘Abbas issued several decrees sacking the Hamas-led government and formed another one to operate as caretaker administration until the next elections.
The decrees also outlawed the Executive Forces – the Hamas paramilitary policing Gaza – and set several conditions for future talks with the Islamic movement.
The Hamas proposal insists also on the importance of respecting last February’s Mecca agreement that was reached under Saudi auspices and led to a short-lived unity cabinet.
Regarding the reactivation of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), the initiative suggests reforming the National Council, which is the legislative arm of the PLO body and elects members of its executive committee.
Since the Gaza seizure, Hamas leader have repeatedly called for the resumption of talks with Fatah in an attempt to end the crisis and reunite Gaza with the West Bank as one integrated entity.
Fatah, overpowered by Hamas in the Gaza fighting, has ruled out any dialogue with Hamas unless it apologizes to the Palestinian people and withdraws from all security headquarters it controlled after June 14.