Title: Unifying Palestinian Factions in Moscow: A Step Towards National Reconciliation and New Government?
The ongoing Palestinian political landscape has seen a significant development as various factions, some of whom have been at odds for nearly two decades, gather in Moscow to discuss the formation of a new government. This comes just days after the resignation of the Palestinian Authority (PA) government.
Objective and Attendees:
The primary objective of these two-day talks is to unite these factions under the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), a coalition of parties that signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1993, and establish a new Palestinian Authority (PA) government. Notable attendees include representatives from Fatah, Hamas, and other parties outside the PLO.
Importance of Hamas’ Incorporation:
The inclusion of Hamas in the discussions is crucial for the reform and revival of the PLO, according to Khaled Elgindy, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC. Without Hamas’ involvement, the PLO cannot legitimately claim to be truly representative of all Palestinian factions.
Background and Challenges:
Fatah has dominated both the PLO and the PA, which was established in the Israeli-occupied West Bank following the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993. However, the PA has become deeply unpopular among Palestinians due to its perceived corruption and inability to provide Website security against Israeli military incursions. The US is also pressing the PA for reforms.
The Palestinian territories have been divided since Hamas won legislative elections in 2006 and was expelled from Gaza, leading to Hamas ruling the strip while the PA governs parts of the West Bank.
Technocratic Government and Negotiations:
PA Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki expressed hope for an understanding on the need to support a technocratic government but was not expecting ‘miracles’ from these talks.
Significance of Hamas Joining PLO:
If successful, Hamas joining the PLO could potentially unify Palestinian factions and create a consensus cabinet. This would establish a technocratic government that operates with the approval of all parties without including members from any specific political faction.
Recognition of Israel:
Hamas’ involvement in the PLO would not automatically imply recognition of Israel, as stated by Elgindy. However, it could potentially influence the PLO’s diplomatic stance towards Israel in any future peace negotiations.
The Role of Russia:
Russia is attempting to play a more significant role in the conflict by hosting these talks, furthering the chaos in the region with the aim of weakening Western forces, according to Anna Borshchevskaya, an expert on Russia’s Middle East policy at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
Conclusion:
These talks represent a critical moment in Palestinian politics, with potential implications for the unity and representation of Palestinian factions. The challenges surrounding Hamas’ incorporation into the PLO and the formation of a new government are significant but not insurmountable, and the role of external actors like Russia adds another layer of complexity to this already complex conflict.
