Palestinian factions Hamas, Fatah convene in Cairo to discuss national unity, Gaza war

CAIRO – 9 October 2024: Representatives from the Fatah movement, which is led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and the Islamic group Hamas initiated a fresh round of discussions in Cairo on Wednesday to address the Israeli aggression in Gaza and efforts towards national unity.

Hamas has stated that the talks also aim to cover political and on-ground developments, as reported by Al Qahera News.

A Hamas official, quoted by Reuters, highlighted that the meetings will focus on plans for collaboration post the Gaza war, which commenced on October 7, 2023.

These discussions are part of ongoing endeavors between the two factions to mend a longstanding division that deepened when Hamas assumed control of Gaza in 2007.

Hamas media spokesperson Taher Al-Nono has mentioned that the meeting will address the challenges confronting the Palestinian cause.

Leading the Hamas delegation in Cairo talks is Khalil Al-Hayya, the deputy chairman of the Hamas political bureau, who also spearheaded the group’s negotiations aimed to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Fatah delegation is under the leadership of Mahmoud Al-Aloul, the deputy head of the party.

POST-WAR GAZA

As Israel continues its relentless war in Gaza, Tel Aviv has expressed its opposition to a Hamas-governed Gaza post-war. Nevertheless, Palestinian factions have strongly objected to Israeli interference in what they consider to be internal affairs.

Representatives from European nations and various Arab and Islamic countries, including Egypt, have advocated for the return of full Palestinian Authority control over the Rafah crossing and all Gaza borders during a gathering in Madrid in September.

Since May, Israel has taken charge of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, which led to the blocking of crucial aid deliveries from Egypt to Gaza.

Cairo has rejected coordination with Israel over the aid delivery through the Rafah crossing, emphasizing its willingness to only coordinate with Palestinian or international officials in this regard, as per a senior official’s statement in May.