4 june 2014
The Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas sent a letter to the head of the Palestinian central elections committee Hanna Nasser on Wednesday requesting that the committee begin work to prepare for elections to be held on December 4.
Abbas said in the letter that the committee should immediately start procedures in preparation for both presidential and legislative polls six months from the date of the letter.
The move comes just after the national unity agreement was formed five weeks after a reconciliation deal was signed between the two largest Palestinian political parties, Hamas and Fatah, on April 23.
Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday also called upon the national unity government to start the preparations for the elections.
In a letter to Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, Abbas said that he had trust in the government's capabilities and their cooperation with the central elections committee.
Abbas called on legal experts, institutions and Palestinian youth to support the national unity government and to discuss the requirements of the elections, especially given that Palestine was previously granted observer status in the United Nations.
The elections will be the first since 2006, when Hamas won parliamentary elections, a year before the political split began in 2007.
Previous elections have been held in the West Bank and Gaza, and it was not immediately clear whether the approximately nine million Palestinian refugees living abroad, or Palestinians in Israel, would be eligible to vote in this round.
Abbas said in the letter that the committee should immediately start procedures in preparation for both presidential and legislative polls six months from the date of the letter.
The move comes just after the national unity agreement was formed five weeks after a reconciliation deal was signed between the two largest Palestinian political parties, Hamas and Fatah, on April 23.
Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday also called upon the national unity government to start the preparations for the elections.
In a letter to Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, Abbas said that he had trust in the government's capabilities and their cooperation with the central elections committee.
Abbas called on legal experts, institutions and Palestinian youth to support the national unity government and to discuss the requirements of the elections, especially given that Palestine was previously granted observer status in the United Nations.
The elections will be the first since 2006, when Hamas won parliamentary elections, a year before the political split began in 2007.
Previous elections have been held in the West Bank and Gaza, and it was not immediately clear whether the approximately nine million Palestinian refugees living abroad, or Palestinians in Israel, would be eligible to vote in this round.
By Graham Liddell
As world powers ignored Israel's calls to reject the Palestinian government formed Monday, Palestinian leaders hailed the West Bank-Gaza reconciliation pact as a way for citizens of both territories to unite against occupation.
"Palestinians can now speak with one voice," says Palestinian lawmaker Mustafa Barghouti. "We are now unified to end occupation."
The Israelis "were using the division as an excuse," Barghouti told Ma'an.
"They said, 'We can't make peace with Palestinians because they are divided.' Now they say, 'We can't make peace with Palestinians because they're unified.'"
Israeli authorities declared an end to the latest round of peace talks with Palestinians in April after the Fatah-led PLO announced a surprise reconciliation deal with Hamas, its Islamist rival which had controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. The deal led to Monday's implementation of a technocratic government made up of politically independent Palestinian ministers.
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to attain American and European disapproval over the new government failed, his office took to Twitter in a campaign against Palestinian unity.
As world powers ignored Israel's calls to reject the Palestinian government formed Monday, Palestinian leaders hailed the West Bank-Gaza reconciliation pact as a way for citizens of both territories to unite against occupation.
"Palestinians can now speak with one voice," says Palestinian lawmaker Mustafa Barghouti. "We are now unified to end occupation."
The Israelis "were using the division as an excuse," Barghouti told Ma'an.
"They said, 'We can't make peace with Palestinians because they are divided.' Now they say, 'We can't make peace with Palestinians because they're unified.'"
Israeli authorities declared an end to the latest round of peace talks with Palestinians in April after the Fatah-led PLO announced a surprise reconciliation deal with Hamas, its Islamist rival which had controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. The deal led to Monday's implementation of a technocratic government made up of politically independent Palestinian ministers.
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to attain American and European disapproval over the new government failed, his office took to Twitter in a campaign against Palestinian unity.
PM of Israel @IsraeliPM Meet President Abbas' new partners: Hamas suicide bombers murdered hundreds of Israelis.
But Barghouti said Israelis were in reality not as concerned with Hamas as they were about the idea of Palestinians being unified.
"We are not only unified, but we're bringing back our democratic system," he said. "Israel would prefer to keep claiming it is the only democracy in the region."
Presidential and legislative elections are to be held within six months, President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday. Abbas' presidential term technically ended in early 2009.
Gaza stands to gain
In addition to holding long-delayed elections, many Palestinians hope the new government will improve the livelihoods of the Gaza Strip's nearly 2 million residents who faced isolation throughout Hamas' rule.
Aziz Dweik, speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, told Ma'an that Hamas "joined itself to the Palestinian cause" for the good of the people.
Hamas' decision to relinquish power over Gaza will "strengthen exterior relationships with other governments," said Dweik, who is a leading member of the Islamist movement.
When the Palestinian faction took control of Gaza in 2007, Israel imposed a crippling economic siege that critics have called a form of collective punishment. Meanwhile, Egypt's heavy restrictions on its border with Gaza have often left Palestinians in the coastal enclave with nowhere to turn for resources.
"Point one on the agenda (of the new government) is to end to blockade of Gaza by Egypt on one side and Israel on the other," Dweik said.
Barghouti concurred, saying unity "enhances our ability to push back the Israeli siege at the international level."
Initially, however, Israel seemed unwilling to halt its aggression against Gazans, as ministers announced Monday that the Palestinian Authority would now be held accountable for all rockets fired by militant groups in Gaza.
Barghouti responded: "Mr. Netanyahu himself will now be responsible for all violence against Palestinians," explaining that an attack on Gaza could now not be justified as an attack on Hamas, but on all Palestinians.
Israel's military offensives on Gaza in 2008-9 and 2012 killed over 1,500 Palestinians, most of them civilians.
Tension over prisoners, 'collaboration'
Regardless of the official optimism about a new government, many Palestinians have expressed concerns, especially over a decision to dissolve the Ministry of Prisoner Affairs.
Rami Hamdallah, the prime minister of the unity government, announced Monday that the ministry would be replaced by a committee.
The fate of the ministry was a major point of contention ahead of the government's inauguration, with Abbas calling for its dissolution in response to US pressure.
Hamas officials threatened to pull out of the unity deal if the ministry was dissolved, but quickly backed down from the ultimatum as the government was sworn in the same day.
Leila Khaled, a leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, shared Hamas' concerns about the prisoners ministry in a statement Wednesday.
"While our prisoners are hunger-striking against the Israeli jailer and popular support for them is increasing, the Ministry of Prisoner Affairs has been dissolved," Khaled said, referring to an ongoing hundreds-strong hunger strike against Israel's policy of administrative detention.
"It has been replaced by a committee, and this sends the wrong message to Palestinian prisoners."
Khaled was also concerned about the new government's apparent commitment to "security coordination" with Israel, which Abbas recently called "sacred."
"The rights of Palestinians are sacred and not security collaboration with the Israeli occupation," Khaled said.
Still, she added that the PFLP was hopeful that the new government was "a serious step in ending the division."
"National unity is a basic condition to win against the enemy," she said.
But Barghouti said Israelis were in reality not as concerned with Hamas as they were about the idea of Palestinians being unified.
"We are not only unified, but we're bringing back our democratic system," he said. "Israel would prefer to keep claiming it is the only democracy in the region."
Presidential and legislative elections are to be held within six months, President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday. Abbas' presidential term technically ended in early 2009.
Gaza stands to gain
In addition to holding long-delayed elections, many Palestinians hope the new government will improve the livelihoods of the Gaza Strip's nearly 2 million residents who faced isolation throughout Hamas' rule.
Aziz Dweik, speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, told Ma'an that Hamas "joined itself to the Palestinian cause" for the good of the people.
Hamas' decision to relinquish power over Gaza will "strengthen exterior relationships with other governments," said Dweik, who is a leading member of the Islamist movement.
When the Palestinian faction took control of Gaza in 2007, Israel imposed a crippling economic siege that critics have called a form of collective punishment. Meanwhile, Egypt's heavy restrictions on its border with Gaza have often left Palestinians in the coastal enclave with nowhere to turn for resources.
"Point one on the agenda (of the new government) is to end to blockade of Gaza by Egypt on one side and Israel on the other," Dweik said.
Barghouti concurred, saying unity "enhances our ability to push back the Israeli siege at the international level."
Initially, however, Israel seemed unwilling to halt its aggression against Gazans, as ministers announced Monday that the Palestinian Authority would now be held accountable for all rockets fired by militant groups in Gaza.
Barghouti responded: "Mr. Netanyahu himself will now be responsible for all violence against Palestinians," explaining that an attack on Gaza could now not be justified as an attack on Hamas, but on all Palestinians.
Israel's military offensives on Gaza in 2008-9 and 2012 killed over 1,500 Palestinians, most of them civilians.
Tension over prisoners, 'collaboration'
Regardless of the official optimism about a new government, many Palestinians have expressed concerns, especially over a decision to dissolve the Ministry of Prisoner Affairs.
Rami Hamdallah, the prime minister of the unity government, announced Monday that the ministry would be replaced by a committee.
The fate of the ministry was a major point of contention ahead of the government's inauguration, with Abbas calling for its dissolution in response to US pressure.
Hamas officials threatened to pull out of the unity deal if the ministry was dissolved, but quickly backed down from the ultimatum as the government was sworn in the same day.
Leila Khaled, a leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, shared Hamas' concerns about the prisoners ministry in a statement Wednesday.
"While our prisoners are hunger-striking against the Israeli jailer and popular support for them is increasing, the Ministry of Prisoner Affairs has been dissolved," Khaled said, referring to an ongoing hundreds-strong hunger strike against Israel's policy of administrative detention.
"It has been replaced by a committee, and this sends the wrong message to Palestinian prisoners."
Khaled was also concerned about the new government's apparent commitment to "security coordination" with Israel, which Abbas recently called "sacred."
"The rights of Palestinians are sacred and not security collaboration with the Israeli occupation," Khaled said.
Still, she added that the PFLP was hopeful that the new government was "a serious step in ending the division."
"National unity is a basic condition to win against the enemy," she said.
Palestinian prime minister Rami Hamdallah assured foreign diplomats on Tuesday that his new unity government would respect past agreements with Israel, after chairing the cabinet's first meeting. The new 17-member cabinet was sworn in on Monday before president Mahmud Abbas, in line with a surprise reconciliation deal reached in April between Hamas, which has governed the Gaza Strip for seven years, and the PLO, which dominates the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority.
"Hamdallah stressed that the government is committed to all international agreements signed by the Palestine Liberation Organisation ... international political initiatives and peaceful solutions," his office said.
Hamdallah was briefing European Union representatives to the Palestinian territories on his new government, also telling them his cabinet would focus on providing services and resolving pressing water issues in the Gaza Strip.
He later gave UN peace envoy Robert Serry the same assurances, adding the government's "main mission is to prepare for free and democratic elections," a separate statement said.
After chairing the new cabinet's first meeting, Hamdallah told reporters in the West Bank city of Ramallah the "main subject the government discussed was how to reunite the institutions in the West Bank and Gaza."
"Employees were asked to return to work," he said, referring to people from Abbas's Fatah party who worked in Gaza-based government ministries before the Hamas assumed the administration of the territory in 2007.
"The government is committed to the principle of the two states on the border of 1967. The government is also committed to recognising the State of Israel, renouncing violence and honouring the signed agreements," he said on Monday.
"As we have stated in the past, we will continue with security coordination with Israel as this protects our people's interests."
- International welcome -
The international community hailed the reconciliation, with the EU saying it created "new opportunities for the peace process, for democratic renewal and for the Palestinian people in both Gaza and the West Bank".
In New York, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's spokesman also welcomed the unity government.
"The United Nations stands ready to lend its full support to the newly formed government in its effort to reunite the West Bank and Gaza... under one legitimate Palestinian authority," Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
France also said it was "ready to work" with the new government "as long as it rejects violence, is committed to the peace process and respects all previous agreements, which implies recognising Israel," comments echoed by Britain.
Russia urged the international community to welcome the Palestinian cabinet "with respect."
Washington has also agreed to work with the new government, prompting a furious reaction from Israel, which had urged the international community not to rush into recognising the new entity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to Europe dealing with the unity government.
Al Ray contributed to this report.
"Hamdallah stressed that the government is committed to all international agreements signed by the Palestine Liberation Organisation ... international political initiatives and peaceful solutions," his office said.
Hamdallah was briefing European Union representatives to the Palestinian territories on his new government, also telling them his cabinet would focus on providing services and resolving pressing water issues in the Gaza Strip.
He later gave UN peace envoy Robert Serry the same assurances, adding the government's "main mission is to prepare for free and democratic elections," a separate statement said.
After chairing the new cabinet's first meeting, Hamdallah told reporters in the West Bank city of Ramallah the "main subject the government discussed was how to reunite the institutions in the West Bank and Gaza."
"Employees were asked to return to work," he said, referring to people from Abbas's Fatah party who worked in Gaza-based government ministries before the Hamas assumed the administration of the territory in 2007.
"The government is committed to the principle of the two states on the border of 1967. The government is also committed to recognising the State of Israel, renouncing violence and honouring the signed agreements," he said on Monday.
"As we have stated in the past, we will continue with security coordination with Israel as this protects our people's interests."
- International welcome -
The international community hailed the reconciliation, with the EU saying it created "new opportunities for the peace process, for democratic renewal and for the Palestinian people in both Gaza and the West Bank".
In New York, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's spokesman also welcomed the unity government.
"The United Nations stands ready to lend its full support to the newly formed government in its effort to reunite the West Bank and Gaza... under one legitimate Palestinian authority," Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
France also said it was "ready to work" with the new government "as long as it rejects violence, is committed to the peace process and respects all previous agreements, which implies recognising Israel," comments echoed by Britain.
Russia urged the international community to welcome the Palestinian cabinet "with respect."
Washington has also agreed to work with the new government, prompting a furious reaction from Israel, which had urged the international community not to rush into recognising the new entity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to Europe dealing with the unity government.
Al Ray contributed to this report.
In response to new Palestinian government formation, Israeli MK, Opher Akonis, called for thinking seriously of annexing the Area C of the occupied West Bank that is under the full Israeli sovereignty. The Oslo II Accord divided the West Bank into three administrative divisions: Area A (full civil and security control by the Palestinian Authority), area B (Palestinian civil control and joint Israeli-Palestinian security control) and area C (full Israeli civil and security control).
According to Kol Israel website, Akonis said that Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu's position in this regard may be changed after forming the new national Palestinian government. The MK confirmed that Israel will not conduct negotiations with any Palestinian government includes Hamas.
Nachman Shai, the Israeli MK, said that the American recognition of the new Palestinian government is a stab Israel. He predicted that the European countries will follow the United States steps.
In contrast to Akonis, Shai described the call for annexation of Area C as a dispensable one for Israel, calling Netanyahu to announce his position clearly.
According to Kol Israel website, Akonis said that Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu's position in this regard may be changed after forming the new national Palestinian government. The MK confirmed that Israel will not conduct negotiations with any Palestinian government includes Hamas.
Nachman Shai, the Israeli MK, said that the American recognition of the new Palestinian government is a stab Israel. He predicted that the European countries will follow the United States steps.
In contrast to Akonis, Shai described the call for annexation of Area C as a dispensable one for Israel, calling Netanyahu to announce his position clearly.
Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah called on the international community to intervene and exert pressures on the Israeli occupation authorities to allow holding elections in East Jerusalem, stressing that no elections could be held without East Jerusalem. Following the formation of the Palestinian unity government, the Israeli mini cabinet for political and security affairs decided to prevent Hamas's participation in any future elections in the occupied Palestinian territories.
In a meeting with representatives of several delegations from Europe, Arab countries, Latin America and Africa, along with Head of the office of the Quartet Representative Mark Singleton, Hamdallah called on the international community to pressure Israel to hold the elections in East Jerusalem
Hamdallah briefed the representatives on the latest Palestinian political and economic developments in light of the newly formed government.
The premier called on the international community and institutions to intervene urgently to end the Israeli administrative detention policy and violations against the Palestinian prisoners.
He also urged the international community to put an end to the Israeli forces and settlers' attacks against al-Aqsa Mosque as well as Islamic and Christian holy sites.
During the meeting, Hamdallah pointed out that the Israeli occupation has imposed punitive measures shortly after the declaration of Palestinian unity government including banning four ministers from travelling from Gaza to join the first cabinet meeting in Ramallah and threatening to freeze the Palestinian tax revenues.
In a meeting with representatives of several delegations from Europe, Arab countries, Latin America and Africa, along with Head of the office of the Quartet Representative Mark Singleton, Hamdallah called on the international community to pressure Israel to hold the elections in East Jerusalem
Hamdallah briefed the representatives on the latest Palestinian political and economic developments in light of the newly formed government.
The premier called on the international community and institutions to intervene urgently to end the Israeli administrative detention policy and violations against the Palestinian prisoners.
He also urged the international community to put an end to the Israeli forces and settlers' attacks against al-Aqsa Mosque as well as Islamic and Christian holy sites.
During the meeting, Hamdallah pointed out that the Israeli occupation has imposed punitive measures shortly after the declaration of Palestinian unity government including banning four ministers from travelling from Gaza to join the first cabinet meeting in Ramallah and threatening to freeze the Palestinian tax revenues.
A number of Palestinian institutions and national forces in Sebastia town northwest of Nablus called for putting an end to Israeli attempts to falsify historical facts of Palestinian archaeological sites in the area. In a statement on Wednesday, the Palestinian institutions and national forces confirmed that Israeli occupation keeps introducing Sebastia's archaeological sites as Jewish monuments as part of its Judaization schemes in the town.
The statement warned of Israeli continued practices and violations targeting Palestinian historical and cultural infrastructure.
Under the pretext of restoring the site, Israeli occupation carried out drilling and exploration operations, the statement added.
The Palestinian institutions and national forces called for protecting Palestinian heritage and archaeological sites before it is too late, and putting an end to Israeli ongoing violations.
For their part, Sebastia's residents called for adopting a new Palestinian resistance strategy in order to strengthen Palestinian adherence to their national constants and rights.
They also called for internationalizing the issue of Sebastia's archaeological sites at the UN and UNESCO organizations and exposing Israeli violations.
The statement warned of Israeli continued practices and violations targeting Palestinian historical and cultural infrastructure.
Under the pretext of restoring the site, Israeli occupation carried out drilling and exploration operations, the statement added.
The Palestinian institutions and national forces called for protecting Palestinian heritage and archaeological sites before it is too late, and putting an end to Israeli ongoing violations.
For their part, Sebastia's residents called for adopting a new Palestinian resistance strategy in order to strengthen Palestinian adherence to their national constants and rights.
They also called for internationalizing the issue of Sebastia's archaeological sites at the UN and UNESCO organizations and exposing Israeli violations.
The Middle East Quartet's special envoy, Tony Blair, on Wednesday called Palestinian premier Rami Hamdallah to congratulate him on the formation of a new unity government.
The PA said in a statement that Blair encouraged the new government to commit to previous international agreements.
Hamdallah thanked the Quartet for its support and said that the new cabinet is working to prepare the ground for presidential and legislative elections.
The Quartet is the latest international body to throw its weight behind the formation of a unity government, with the EU and the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, having already issued their support.
The United States publicly offered its backing for the government several hours after it was sworn in, much to the ire of the Israeli government.
"At this point, it appears that president Abbas has formed an interim technocratic government that does not include ministers affiliated with Hamas," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters.
British Foreign Minister William Hague also welcomed the unity government, saying that "reuniting Gaza and the West Bank under a government committed to peace is a necessary condition for resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict."
Italy and Spain also issued public backing the government on Wednesday.
The PA said in a statement that Blair encouraged the new government to commit to previous international agreements.
Hamdallah thanked the Quartet for its support and said that the new cabinet is working to prepare the ground for presidential and legislative elections.
The Quartet is the latest international body to throw its weight behind the formation of a unity government, with the EU and the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, having already issued their support.
The United States publicly offered its backing for the government several hours after it was sworn in, much to the ire of the Israeli government.
"At this point, it appears that president Abbas has formed an interim technocratic government that does not include ministers affiliated with Hamas," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters.
British Foreign Minister William Hague also welcomed the unity government, saying that "reuniting Gaza and the West Bank under a government committed to peace is a necessary condition for resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict."
Italy and Spain also issued public backing the government on Wednesday.
Palestinian premier Rami Hamdallah on Wednesday urged the international community to pressure Israel to allow elections to take place in East Jerusalem.
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a Knesset meeting that he would not allow the PLO to hold parliamentary or presidential ballots in East Jerusalem.
During a meeting with foreign representatives, Hamdallah said that "elections cannot be held without Jerusalem," and urged support for the electoral process.
President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday that new elections would be held within six months, after a Palestinian unity government was announced in Ramallah.
Directives would be issued to cabinet members and to the central elections commission in the coming days to start preparing for the election and a date will be agreed upon with the commission.
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a Knesset meeting that he would not allow the PLO to hold parliamentary or presidential ballots in East Jerusalem.
During a meeting with foreign representatives, Hamdallah said that "elections cannot be held without Jerusalem," and urged support for the electoral process.
President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday that new elections would be held within six months, after a Palestinian unity government was announced in Ramallah.
Directives would be issued to cabinet members and to the central elections commission in the coming days to start preparing for the election and a date will be agreed upon with the commission.
An official source told the PIC reporter on Wednesday that Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk, member of Hamas's political bureau and head of its reconciliation delegation, will extend his stay in the Gaza Strip till the full stabilization of all reconciliation issues. Many important issues still need to be discussed during the next few days under Abu Marzouk's supervision till achieving full stability, reconciliation, and integration, the source added.
The official sources praised Abu Marzouk and Hamas leadership's efforts in achieving Palestinian reconciliation and in the formation of the unity government.
Abu Marzouk arrived on the 21st of April to Gaza Strip in order to discuss with Fatah delegation the Palestinian reconciliation process. The talks resulted in the formation of the unity government.
The official sources praised Abu Marzouk and Hamas leadership's efforts in achieving Palestinian reconciliation and in the formation of the unity government.
Abu Marzouk arrived on the 21st of April to Gaza Strip in order to discuss with Fatah delegation the Palestinian reconciliation process. The talks resulted in the formation of the unity government.
Tunisian president al-Muncef al-Marzouki congratulated Ismail Haneyya, former Palestinian premier and deputy political bureau chairman of Hamas, over restoration of Palestinian national unity. Marzouki described the formation of the Palestinian consensus government as a positive step during a telephone conversation with Haneyya on Tuesday night.
He reiterated his country’s backing to the Palestinian people and called for completing the unity’s prerequisites.
Hanneya, for his part, thanked Marzouki for his phone call and stressed that the decision to restore national unity was part of a historic responsibility.
He reiterated his country’s backing to the Palestinian people and called for completing the unity’s prerequisites.
Hanneya, for his part, thanked Marzouki for his phone call and stressed that the decision to restore national unity was part of a historic responsibility.
Isolated in the region and facing a major economic crisis in Gaza, Hamas ceded power to gain breathing space and recuperate, and will remain in the background politically, analysts said.
The Islamist movement will instead work at the grass roots level to build up military, financial and social strength while, under the guise of a Palestinian unity deal, it takes refuge under the wing of the internationally-recognized PLO.
Gaza's Hamas government stepped down on Monday after a new unity government took oath in Ramallah, the first fruits of a surprise April deal between the movement and the Western-backed PLO, which is dominated by the rival Fatah faction.
The resignation ends Hamas' seven-year tenure of political authority in the besieged Strip, an experience that ultimately weakened the movement.
"Hamas gave in, either from a genuine desire for reconciliation or from a lack of options, and it still needs time to repair the damage sustained from being in power," said Adnan Abu Amer, politics professor at Gaza's Ummah University.
"The move will restore Hamas' popularity, which has been eroded in Gaza. That's partly why it withdrew from the political scene -- to try and save face," he told AFP.
Isolation, stagnation
After Hamas won the Palestinian parliamentary elections by a landslide victory in 2006, it was immediately boycotted by the West.
Relations with president Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement quickly deteriorated, leading to a major split 18 months later when Hamas seized control of Gaza and drove out Abbas' faction.
But successive wars with Israel, a crushing blockade and unprecedented pressure from neighboring Egypt -- whose security forces have crushed Hamas ally the Muslim Brotherhood in the past year -- have isolated the movement and brought energy woes and economic stagnation to Gaza.
Hamas was unable to pay more than half its 50,000 government employees after Egypt destroyed tunnels that were Gaza's lifeline, bringing in fuel and money.
Handing over power to a unity government of independents will allow Hamas to work in the background, away from the political limelight, while the PLO shoulders the responsibility of executive authority, experts say.
"This government, in my view, is an umbrella Hamas is hiding under in order to free itself of its financial problems, and from the retreat of political Islam in the region," said Abdel Majid Sweilam, of Al-Quds University in the West Bank.
Abu Amer agreed, saying Hamas was "keeping its eyes on the PLO, seeing the latter as the largest player in the Palestinian arena, and one that is internationally recognized."
Grassroots revival?
Hassan Abdo, a Gaza-based political analyst, said the Islamist movement -- blacklisted by the EU and US as a "terrorist organization" -- would "have difficulty joining the regional and international system, but it will remain active and influential on the ground."
In practice, this means building up its military capabilities, improving its finances free from the burden of paying civil servants, and reviving its grassroots charity and social work.
But it is unclear if a revived Hamas would then cooperate with the PLO, or if differences between them in domestic and foreign policy would dominate Palestinian politics.
"The disagreements we saw in the moments before the government was announced suggest there could be obstacles to implementing executive power," said political analyst Jihad Harb, in reference to a brief dispute on Monday over the prisoners ministry.
And Hamas is "on its way to being the opposition within the Palestinian political system, as it renews its adherence to resistance" against Israel, said Walid al-Mudallal of Gaza's Islamic University.
Abbas has insisted the new government will follow his policy of recognizing Israel, rejecting violence and abiding by past peace agreements.
But Hamas has said it remains committed to Israel's destruction, and it is still unclear how it would reconcile that stance with support for such a government.
The Islamist movement will instead work at the grass roots level to build up military, financial and social strength while, under the guise of a Palestinian unity deal, it takes refuge under the wing of the internationally-recognized PLO.
Gaza's Hamas government stepped down on Monday after a new unity government took oath in Ramallah, the first fruits of a surprise April deal between the movement and the Western-backed PLO, which is dominated by the rival Fatah faction.
The resignation ends Hamas' seven-year tenure of political authority in the besieged Strip, an experience that ultimately weakened the movement.
"Hamas gave in, either from a genuine desire for reconciliation or from a lack of options, and it still needs time to repair the damage sustained from being in power," said Adnan Abu Amer, politics professor at Gaza's Ummah University.
"The move will restore Hamas' popularity, which has been eroded in Gaza. That's partly why it withdrew from the political scene -- to try and save face," he told AFP.
Isolation, stagnation
After Hamas won the Palestinian parliamentary elections by a landslide victory in 2006, it was immediately boycotted by the West.
Relations with president Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement quickly deteriorated, leading to a major split 18 months later when Hamas seized control of Gaza and drove out Abbas' faction.
But successive wars with Israel, a crushing blockade and unprecedented pressure from neighboring Egypt -- whose security forces have crushed Hamas ally the Muslim Brotherhood in the past year -- have isolated the movement and brought energy woes and economic stagnation to Gaza.
Hamas was unable to pay more than half its 50,000 government employees after Egypt destroyed tunnels that were Gaza's lifeline, bringing in fuel and money.
Handing over power to a unity government of independents will allow Hamas to work in the background, away from the political limelight, while the PLO shoulders the responsibility of executive authority, experts say.
"This government, in my view, is an umbrella Hamas is hiding under in order to free itself of its financial problems, and from the retreat of political Islam in the region," said Abdel Majid Sweilam, of Al-Quds University in the West Bank.
Abu Amer agreed, saying Hamas was "keeping its eyes on the PLO, seeing the latter as the largest player in the Palestinian arena, and one that is internationally recognized."
Grassroots revival?
Hassan Abdo, a Gaza-based political analyst, said the Islamist movement -- blacklisted by the EU and US as a "terrorist organization" -- would "have difficulty joining the regional and international system, but it will remain active and influential on the ground."
In practice, this means building up its military capabilities, improving its finances free from the burden of paying civil servants, and reviving its grassroots charity and social work.
But it is unclear if a revived Hamas would then cooperate with the PLO, or if differences between them in domestic and foreign policy would dominate Palestinian politics.
"The disagreements we saw in the moments before the government was announced suggest there could be obstacles to implementing executive power," said political analyst Jihad Harb, in reference to a brief dispute on Monday over the prisoners ministry.
And Hamas is "on its way to being the opposition within the Palestinian political system, as it renews its adherence to resistance" against Israel, said Walid al-Mudallal of Gaza's Islamic University.
Abbas has insisted the new government will follow his policy of recognizing Israel, rejecting violence and abiding by past peace agreements.
But Hamas has said it remains committed to Israel's destruction, and it is still unclear how it would reconcile that stance with support for such a government.
The United States stated it would deal with the new Palestinian unity government, a caretaker government before elections are held, adding that the government will be judged by its actions, and by its commitment to the Quartet Conditions.
The US said the new Palestinian government does not have Hamas ministers, or affiliates, and that a continued support to any Palestinian government is based on its actions, and its continued commitment to the conditions of the Quartet Committee (The US. The EU, the UN and Russia).
The Quartet Conditions are “renouncing violence”, “recognizing Israel”, and “abiding by previously signed peace deals”.
Although the quartet advised Israel to refrain from its ongoing violations, including assignations, invasions and destruction of homes, and its illegitimate settlement construction and expansion activities, Tel Aviv never faced ultimatums, the Maan News Agency said.
US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mary Harf stated that the Palestinian unity government is a government of technocrats, many of its ministers served in previous governments, and that this interim government is in charge of preparing for new legislative elections.
Harf added that the United States would closely monitor the conduct of the new Palestinian government, to ensure its commitment to the Quartet conditions.
Her statements came in response to the stances of the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling the new government as a “terrorist entity because Hamas is part of it”.
U.S Secretary of State John Kerry also phoned Netanyahu, explained the American position, and assured him that the United States will never deal with Hamas as it is “officially considered a terrorist group.”
The US said the new Palestinian government does not have Hamas ministers, or affiliates, and that a continued support to any Palestinian government is based on its actions, and its continued commitment to the conditions of the Quartet Committee (The US. The EU, the UN and Russia).
The Quartet Conditions are “renouncing violence”, “recognizing Israel”, and “abiding by previously signed peace deals”.
Although the quartet advised Israel to refrain from its ongoing violations, including assignations, invasions and destruction of homes, and its illegitimate settlement construction and expansion activities, Tel Aviv never faced ultimatums, the Maan News Agency said.
US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mary Harf stated that the Palestinian unity government is a government of technocrats, many of its ministers served in previous governments, and that this interim government is in charge of preparing for new legislative elections.
Harf added that the United States would closely monitor the conduct of the new Palestinian government, to ensure its commitment to the Quartet conditions.
Her statements came in response to the stances of the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling the new government as a “terrorist entity because Hamas is part of it”.
U.S Secretary of State John Kerry also phoned Netanyahu, explained the American position, and assured him that the United States will never deal with Hamas as it is “officially considered a terrorist group.”
The newly appointed Palestinian Government held its first meeting in Ramallah on Tuesday, June 3rd , 2014 under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah and concluded with the following statement:
The government condemns the Israeli cabinet decision to boycott the Palestinian consensus government and to impose more punishments against the Palestinian people, considering it a stark intervention in the internal Palestinian affairs.
The government expresses its determination to fulfill its duties according to the applied laws and legislations in addition to other missions including getting ready of the internal division effects, reuniting the Palestinian institutions, and reconstructing the Gaza Strip.
Regarding keeping the ministry of detainees, the government assured that the Palestinian Liberation Organization is the sole organization that can take decision in this regard. The PM affirmed that the leadership will continue its effort to release the fourth batch of detainees, and stressed that no agreement shall be signed with Israel until all prisoners be released.
The government calls the international human rights organizations to consider Palestinian detainees as "prisoners of war" and to exert more pressure on the Israeli occupation to put an end for its violations against the detainees including solitary condiment, medical negligence and inhuman treatment.
The government also hails the struggling Palestinian detainees in the Israeli jails who have been on hunger strike for the 41th day in protest of administrative detention policy, and stresses its full support of their demands.
The government denounces the daily and repeated attempts by Israeli forces and settlers to storm Al-Aqsa Mosque that reached an untenable situation. It called the Arab League, Islamic Cooperation Organization, international organizations and all influential bodies to put an end to those violations and attacks that are inconsistent with the international laws.
The government sends its greetings and appreciation to the worshipers who maintained defending Al Aqsa Mosque calling them to continue protecting it and not to bow to Israeli pressure.
The government expresses its condolence to the family of Ala'a Odaeh from Hiwarh town, who was killed with cool blood by the Israeli forces, affirming that these crimes prove to the whole world that Israel don’t want peace.
The government condemns the Israeli cabinet decision to boycott the Palestinian consensus government and to impose more punishments against the Palestinian people, considering it a stark intervention in the internal Palestinian affairs.
The government expresses its determination to fulfill its duties according to the applied laws and legislations in addition to other missions including getting ready of the internal division effects, reuniting the Palestinian institutions, and reconstructing the Gaza Strip.
Regarding keeping the ministry of detainees, the government assured that the Palestinian Liberation Organization is the sole organization that can take decision in this regard. The PM affirmed that the leadership will continue its effort to release the fourth batch of detainees, and stressed that no agreement shall be signed with Israel until all prisoners be released.
The government calls the international human rights organizations to consider Palestinian detainees as "prisoners of war" and to exert more pressure on the Israeli occupation to put an end for its violations against the detainees including solitary condiment, medical negligence and inhuman treatment.
The government also hails the struggling Palestinian detainees in the Israeli jails who have been on hunger strike for the 41th day in protest of administrative detention policy, and stresses its full support of their demands.
The government denounces the daily and repeated attempts by Israeli forces and settlers to storm Al-Aqsa Mosque that reached an untenable situation. It called the Arab League, Islamic Cooperation Organization, international organizations and all influential bodies to put an end to those violations and attacks that are inconsistent with the international laws.
The government sends its greetings and appreciation to the worshipers who maintained defending Al Aqsa Mosque calling them to continue protecting it and not to bow to Israeli pressure.
The government expresses its condolence to the family of Ala'a Odaeh from Hiwarh town, who was killed with cool blood by the Israeli forces, affirming that these crimes prove to the whole world that Israel don’t want peace.
At the ministry’s headquarter in Ramallah, Shawqi al-Issa, Tuesday has taken charge of the Ministry of Prisoners in the presence of the Undersecretary of the ministry, its directors and some official figures. Al-Issa emphasized importance of the position saying, “this is a ministry with a special importance. It touches the lives of most Palestinians as the majority of Palestinians suffered the bitterness of detention.”
He also stressed the need to exert all efforts to support the Palestinian prisoners and their families, noting that the priority will be for the prisoners who have been on hunger strike for 42 days.
The minister called for taking urgent steps to save the lives of the hunger-strikers and put an end to the Israeli negligence of their health.
Under terms of a deal signed on April 23, the main Palestinian rivals, Fatah and Hamas, agreed to establish a unity cabinet of 17 independent ministers that would organize long-delayed elections.
He also stressed the need to exert all efforts to support the Palestinian prisoners and their families, noting that the priority will be for the prisoners who have been on hunger strike for 42 days.
The minister called for taking urgent steps to save the lives of the hunger-strikers and put an end to the Israeli negligence of their health.
Under terms of a deal signed on April 23, the main Palestinian rivals, Fatah and Hamas, agreed to establish a unity cabinet of 17 independent ministers that would organize long-delayed elections.
President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, expressed his deep appreciation to Khaled Meshal, the Head of Hamas Political Bureau, for his role and the efforts he made in order to achieve the formation of a Palestinian consensus government. Under terms of a deal signed on April 23, the main Palestinian rivals, Fatah and Hamas, agreed to establish a unity cabinet of 17 independent ministers that would organize long-delayed elections.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas swore in a unity government on Monday after overcoming a last-minute dispute with the Hamas.
Ministers in the new administration took the oath of office in a televised ceremony in Ramallah, the Palestinian seat of government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Three ministers from the Gaza Strip were denied entry to the West Bank via Israel.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas swore in a unity government on Monday after overcoming a last-minute dispute with the Hamas.
Ministers in the new administration took the oath of office in a televised ceremony in Ramallah, the Palestinian seat of government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Three ministers from the Gaza Strip were denied entry to the West Bank via Israel.
MEMO - The Israeli security cabinet considered annexing parts of the occupied West Bank in response to the swearing in of members of the Palestinian unity government, Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post reported today. The proposal was presented by the Israeli Economy Minister Naftali Bennett. The newspaper reported an official source saying the first of the areas would be the settlement of Gush Etzion, south of Jerusalem.
According to a statement following the meeting held yesterday, the security cabinet issued five decisions, including the creation of a team to study future options.
Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, the newspaper reported, had pledged to block any efforts aimed at annexing occupied territories to Israel.
However, Bennett said: "The sovereignty program that I proposed is the only available option today [for dealing with] the Palestinian rejection of peace [with Israel] and the [Israeli] Left's refusal to accept this solution."
The Israeli government imposed several punishments on the Palestinian Authority in the wake of the announcement of the new government. The punishments included reducing the number of VIPs thus limiting their freedom of movement and increasing the amount of money deducted from PA taxes collected by Israel.
It also affirmed that it prevented Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to travel to Ramallah to take the oath before the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
According to a statement following the meeting held yesterday, the security cabinet issued five decisions, including the creation of a team to study future options.
Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, the newspaper reported, had pledged to block any efforts aimed at annexing occupied territories to Israel.
However, Bennett said: "The sovereignty program that I proposed is the only available option today [for dealing with] the Palestinian rejection of peace [with Israel] and the [Israeli] Left's refusal to accept this solution."
The Israeli government imposed several punishments on the Palestinian Authority in the wake of the announcement of the new government. The punishments included reducing the number of VIPs thus limiting their freedom of movement and increasing the amount of money deducted from PA taxes collected by Israel.
It also affirmed that it prevented Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to travel to Ramallah to take the oath before the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Agencies, Russia welcomes the formation of Palestinian state government, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated on Tuesday.
“The formation of a united technocratic government in Palestine resulted from strong efforts that the leadership of Fatah, Hamas, other Palestinian movements and organizations had been taking recently in a striving to overcome internal disagreements,” the ministry said.
In the meanwhile, India welcomed formation of a new unity Palestinian government and hoped that it would be able to resume talks with Israel in a pragmatic and constructive spirit to find a mutually acceptable political solution to the decades-old issue.
Whilst China welcomed the new Palestinian unity government which was sworn in on Monday in the West Bank city of Ramallah.
"We believe Palestine's internal reconciliation will strengthen the solidarity of the Palestinian people, and promote the founding of an independent state for Palestinians and peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei.
On June 2, President of the State of Palestine and Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization Executive Committee Mahmoud Abbas swore in a government of national unity headed by Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah. The new Palestinian Cabinet consists of 16 ministers who represent the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. All ministers have a politically neutral position.
“The formation of a united technocratic government in Palestine resulted from strong efforts that the leadership of Fatah, Hamas, other Palestinian movements and organizations had been taking recently in a striving to overcome internal disagreements,” the ministry said.
In the meanwhile, India welcomed formation of a new unity Palestinian government and hoped that it would be able to resume talks with Israel in a pragmatic and constructive spirit to find a mutually acceptable political solution to the decades-old issue.
Whilst China welcomed the new Palestinian unity government which was sworn in on Monday in the West Bank city of Ramallah.
"We believe Palestine's internal reconciliation will strengthen the solidarity of the Palestinian people, and promote the founding of an independent state for Palestinians and peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei.
On June 2, President of the State of Palestine and Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization Executive Committee Mahmoud Abbas swore in a government of national unity headed by Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah. The new Palestinian Cabinet consists of 16 ministers who represent the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. All ministers have a politically neutral position.
Ministers of the new Palestinian unity government are planning a cabinet meeting in the Gaza Strip, but Israel continues to deny them permits to travel, a government spokesman said Tuesday.
Eyhab Bseiso told Ma'an that the ministers want to meet in Gaza to discuss the situation in the blockaded Strip, but that Israel has revoked the VIP status of Palestinian government members.
Meanwhile, four members of the new unity government still have not been officially sworn into office, given that Israel rejected their requests to travel to Ramallah for Monday's inauguration ceremony, Bseiso said.
He said the government is trying to find a legal way for Gaza ministers to be sworn in despite Israeli restrictions.
The four Gaza-based ministers are Mamoon Abu Shahla as minister of labor, Haifa al-Agha as minister of women's affairs, Mufeed al-Hasayna as minister of housing and public works, and Salim al-Saqqa as minister of justice.
The four ministers partook in the government's first official meeting on Tuesday via video conference call.
Though Israeli officials were furious over the creation of a unified West Bank-Gaza government, the US, the UN, and the EU expressed support for the new Palestinian government as long as it respected previous agreements, was committed to nonviolence, and recognized Israel.
Hamas ceded power over Gaza to the new government on Monday after signing a historic reconciliation deal with the Fatah-led PLO in April.
Eyhab Bseiso told Ma'an that the ministers want to meet in Gaza to discuss the situation in the blockaded Strip, but that Israel has revoked the VIP status of Palestinian government members.
Meanwhile, four members of the new unity government still have not been officially sworn into office, given that Israel rejected their requests to travel to Ramallah for Monday's inauguration ceremony, Bseiso said.
He said the government is trying to find a legal way for Gaza ministers to be sworn in despite Israeli restrictions.
The four Gaza-based ministers are Mamoon Abu Shahla as minister of labor, Haifa al-Agha as minister of women's affairs, Mufeed al-Hasayna as minister of housing and public works, and Salim al-Saqqa as minister of justice.
The four ministers partook in the government's first official meeting on Tuesday via video conference call.
Though Israeli officials were furious over the creation of a unified West Bank-Gaza government, the US, the UN, and the EU expressed support for the new Palestinian government as long as it respected previous agreements, was committed to nonviolence, and recognized Israel.
Hamas ceded power over Gaza to the new government on Monday after signing a historic reconciliation deal with the Fatah-led PLO in April.
