Abbas Condemns Israeli Attack
In a scathing indictment, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas denounced both Israel and the United States for a lethal assault in the Gaza Strip that resulted in significant casualties. The attack, aimed at eliminating Hamas’ military chief Mohammad Deif, left at least 90 Palestinians dead and 300 wounded, as reported by the Gaza health ministry. This incident underscores the persistent volatility in the region and highlights the intricate dynamics at play.
“The Palestinian presidency condemns the slaughter and holds the Israeli government fully responsible, also the U.S. administration that provides all kinds of support to the occupation and its crimes,” Abbas stated. His remarks illustrate the deep-rooted animosity towards Israeli actions and the perceived complicity of the United States in perpetuating the conflict.
Abbas Blames Hamas for Prolonging Conflict
However, Abbas also directed his ire at Hamas, accusing the group of exacerbating the war in Gaza. He attributed some responsibility for the ongoing hostilities to Hamas, citing their October 7 attack inside Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and around 250 abductions. This attack, he claimed, catalyzed the nine-month war that has since engulfed Gaza.
“The presidency sees that by escaping national unity, and providing free pretexts to the occupation state, the Hamas movement is a partner in bearing legal, moral, and political responsibility for the continuation of the Israeli war of genocide in Gaza Strip,” Abbas asserted. His comments reflect a growing rift between his Fatah faction and Hamas, the latter of which has governed Gaza since 2007 following a violent takeover from Abbas loyalists.
Tensions Between Fatah and Hamas
The schism between Fatah and Hamas is further exacerbated by Abbas’ statements, which Hamas officials have denounced as aligning with Israeli interests. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri responded vehemently, accusing Abbas of siding with the “occupation” and attempting to undermine the resistance.
“Such an attitude will not succeed in blackmailing the resistance or pressuring it,” said Abu Zuhri. The response from Hamas underscores the contentious relationship between the two Palestinian factions, with each blaming the other for the failure to achieve national unity and for the ongoing strife in Gaza.
Failed Reconciliation Efforts
Efforts to reconcile the factions, led by Arab mediators including Egypt, have so far been unsuccessful. The power struggles and mutual accusations continue to impede progress towards a unified Palestinian front. Another Hamas leader, Basem Naim, who has participated in previous reconciliation talks, placed the blame for the failed unity efforts squarely on Abbas.
“Abbas’s comments make him and his authority a partner to the Zionist enemy and its crimes not only in Gaza but also in all of Palestinian land,” Naim declared. This stark condemnation highlights the deep divisions and mutual distrust that hinder any potential rapprochement between the two factions.
Summary
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has condemned Israel and the United States for a deadly attack in Gaza, while also holding Hamas responsible for prolonging the conflict. His statements have intensified tensions between his Fatah faction and Hamas, with both sides blaming each other for the ongoing strife and the failure to achieve national unity.
Key Learning Points
| Key Learning Points |
|---|
| Mahmoud Abbas condemns Israel and the U.S. for Gaza attack. |
| Abbas also blames Hamas for prolonging the conflict. |
| Growing rift between Fatah and Hamas over responsibility. |
| Hamas officials accuse Abbas of siding with Israel. |
| Reconciliation efforts between Fatah and Hamas have failed. |
| Deep divisions hinder Palestinian national unity. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
