A group of respected Palestinian businessmen, intellectuals, and civil-society leader are in the process of forming new centrist political party ahead of the coming legislative and presidential elections, sources in Ramallah told The Media Line.
The founders vowed to offer a new political "vision” to the Palestinians, who are disillusioned with the power-sharing dispute between Hamas and Fatah, said Jamal Zakut, member of the Fada party and among those lobbying for the new party. “This is a group of people who are likeminded, who want good governance, peacemaking, and democracy to be part of the vision," he said.
Locally, the new party wants to rebuild the crumbled Palestinian Authority institutions, creating an independent economic entity, and spreading the non-violent prospect as an alternative to the armed conflict with Israel.
“This will push the international community to help our people get rid of the occupation and build a viable state,” said Zakut.
If formed, the new party, which has the potential to shake up coming elections, is similar to the Israeli Kadima party, founded by the former prime minister, Ariel Sharon, which includes politicians from the left and right.
Unlike Kadima, however, this group comprises independents who are seeking unity between Gaza and West Bank.
“We want to address the needs of our people who are disenchanted by the recent Hamas ‘coup’ in Gaza,” Zakut added. "So you need an alternative; one with a democratic, social, liberal outlook, and that alternative should be a new party."
According to Zakut, Hamas’ “bloody” takeover of Gaza last month, and the failure by both Fatah and Hamas to mange the struggle with Israel are among the reasons behind forming such a party. “I think it’s the time to look for political alternatives.” he added.
Since Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza two years ago, there has been an upsurge in infighting between Fatah and Hamas, and that has made it increasingly difficult for P.A. Chairman Mahmoud ‘Abbas to claim control over all of the organization.
Hamas militiamen launched an all-out assault on Gaza last month and took over all P.A. institutions including ‘Abbas’ own residency, known as Muntada. This assault created a de facto division between Gaza and the West Bank.
In retaliation, ‘Abbas dismissed the Hamas-led government and formed a new emergency government for 30 days. He later turned it into a caretaker government that will be serving until the next elections, the date of which has yet to be announced.