Palestinian Authority PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas reportedly is angry at Hamas for reportedly conducting indirect talks with Israel, but his ire may be an excuse to appease the Obama administration and stay clear of the terrorist organization.
However, Abbas also wants something in return from the United States, mainly forcing Israel to accept PA demands that are unacceptable to Israel.
Abbas and Prime Minister have one thing in common – both are under pressure from the US, which knows that Hamas-Fatah unity would open up a can of worms on the terrorist organization’s refusal to give up on terror and to recognize Israel.
Fatah officials are enraged over reports that Cairo is mediating with indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, but similar reports have cropped up in the past, most recently in the ceasefire to end Pillar of Defense last November.
Fatah official Jamal Muheissen said the indirect talks are “unacceptable,” the Jerusalem Post reported.
However, journalist and Arab activist Daoud Kuttab wrote for Al-Monitor Thursday, Hamas supporters claim that Mahmoud Abbas and the Ramallah-based leadership are under pressure from the US and Israel not to let the reconciliation process succeed, as it will give legitimacy to Hamas.”