The implosion of Palestinian hopes

The so-called unity government between the Hamas and Fatah factions was always destined to implode. There was more to divide them than unite them; a one-point agenda between them - an independent Palestine - is not sufficient to ignore the many issues on which they could not agree. Like the signing up to the already negotiated peace accords, or the laying down of arms, or recognising the right of Israel to exist. All of these Hamas would not accept, while the Fatah movement, under Mahmoud Abbas, would. Which is why Abbas was seen as a more moderate, and approachable, person not only in the West but also in Israel - a fact that has him labelled by Hamas supporters as being a renegade.

Following a week of fighting between the two factions, with over 100 people dead, Hamas effectively had control of Gaza, while Fatah maintained its presence in the West Bank. The unity government has bifurcated, so neither party can now claim to have control over the Palestinians state. It could be the beginning of the end for the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, as each side struggles for dominance over the other. It is a battle in which there will be no winners, only losers, because the civil unrest will continue to bring misery to many innocent Palestinian women and children.

With Hamas in control of Gaza, and having granted an amnesty to Fatah leaders in Gaza, it seems obvious the West will reinforce its sanctions against Hamas, bringing more suffering to the people there, while recognising Fatah in the West Bank, and supplying succour and finance to those in need. The division also falls into the hands of Israel, which can now negotiate with Abbas on the future of the Palestinian state. Much of what has happened in the past weeks has been brought about by the Palestinians themselves and can be resolved only by them.