The world’s eyes are on Moscow after the announcement of an imminent meeting between Fatah and Hamas. Fatah, which rules the West Bank, is a secular party that does not take part in the fighting. Hamas, which rules in Gaza, is considered a terrorist movement by the outside world and is driven by an Islamist ideology.
The groups have been bitter rivals since 2007, when Hamas kicked Fatah out of Gaza. Several approaches have been made over the years but the factions have not been able to agree on a common rule of Palestine.
Now the parties want to make another attempt. However, it is unlikely that they will succeed, says SVT’s Middle East correspondent Samir Abu Eid.
– Fatah and Hamas have completely different political agendas. They have tried to reconcile many times before and failed. The question is whether it is different this time. It won’t be easy.
The fact that the talks are now taking place is mainly due to increased pressure from the outside world – not least the United States.
– The various Palestinian factions now realize that they must unite. Because what will happen after the war in Gaza, then the Palestinians must speak with one voice. They talk about the two-state solution and a Palestinian state, if it is to become a reality they realize that they must try to unite.
Israel wants to crush Hamas
Another difficulty is that Israel, which aims to eliminate Hams, would accept a future unity government. Making peace with Hamas is out of the question, says Samir Abu Eid.
– It is difficult to see that it would have any major significance for the war. But for the Palestinians themselves and the outside world, there are many who want to see them unite.