The fissure between Fatah, the Palestinian faction led by Palestine Authority President Mahmoud Abbas which controls the West Bank, and Hamas, the militant organization which claims the Gaza strip, has long haunted the state's bid for national unity. Yet, the bloodshed from the most recent Israeli-Palestinian war, alongside Abbas' successful motion for recognition among the United Nations appears to have brought the groups closer, sparking speculation of conciliatory talks between leaders from both groups.
Palestinian Authority spokeswoman Nour Odeh argues that "The spirit of unity is being shown by the political strata from top to bottom. There is a political commitment to enshrine this sense of unity in more than slogans following the UN bid. The public will no longer tolerate any obstruction or delay in achieving a reconciliation."
Fatah supporters will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hamas this weekend as a gesture of solidarity, joining Hamas chief Khaled Marshaal, who serves as the public face of the organization. Palestinian ambassador Yahya Rabah explained that Fatah accepted an official invitation to the festival and will join "with our brothers in Hamas."
Mr. Marshaal plans to visit the homes of high-ranking Hamas official assassinated by Israel. Marshaal himself was the victim of an assassination attempt in 1997, when Israeli agents poisoned him in Arman. The perpetrators were captured, and Prime Minister Netenyahu had the antidote delivered to the Hamas leader in exchange for the safe return of his men, sparing Marshaal's life.
Hamas' anniversary doubles as a celebration of the group's self-proclaimed victory against Israel in open conflict. Hamas leader Salah Bardawil explains, "Marshaal is coming at a time when we are celebrating victory in the war. A Hamas leader should come and celebrate with his people."
The Hamas chief was pronounced the group's political leader in exile when found Sheikh Ahmed Yassin was assassinated in 2004.
Some suspect that Marshall is seeking re-election and will use his visit to shore up support for his candidacy. Palestinian analyst Hani al-Masri notes, "Egypt, Qatar and Turkey want Khaled Marshaal, simply because he is a moderate and can get things done between the West and the Islamists."
In 2011, Meshaal backed an Egyptian deal to consolidate the influence of Fatah and Hamas, expressing that it would be "empowering to all Palestinians."
Hamas is currently labeled a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, and Israel, but given the Palestinian Authority's recent recognition in the United Nations, it remains to be seen how a reconciliation between both parties will be received by the international community.
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