Palestinian parties must stand united

The Palestinian cause has been sidetracked for a variety of reasons — a situation that serves Israel best as it thrives on Palestinians' disunity and infighting. It's high time that the issue is brought back on the agenda and key points are addressed.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has sworn in a new government in the West Bank, a move which has angered the Hamas government in Gaza. The new government is the 14th, with portfolios covering the health, justice, transportation, agriculture, and justice sectors. But both governments in the West Bank and Gaza should view matters in the correct perspective.

The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) has limited self-rule over the West Bank and relies on foreign aid to sustain its budget. In addition, Hamas is also restrained and dependent on the surrounding circumstances and is incapable of managing matters in Gaza without outside influence.

Hence, it is critical that both parties come together so that progress is made with regards to the needs of the Palestinian people. Both Hamas and the PNA are responsible for the well-being of the people. Yet none of the people's aspirations can be attained without unity that brings all the forces together.