FATAH and Hamas leaders owe it to the Palestinian people to translate into reality their pledge in Cairo on Thursday to bury the hatchet and unite for the common cause. Even thoughthosepresentatthe talks were the top leaders Mahmoud Abbas and Khaled Meshaal observers would be sceptics, because a similar deal earlier this year collapsed.
The distrust between secular Fatah and Islamist Hamas widened after the latter `conquered` Gaza on 2007 after severe fighting with the former. The follow-up was even worse, for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas behaved very undemocratically, appointing Salam Fayyad, an independent, the prime minister even though Hamas had a majority in the assembly. Also, a decree promulgated by Mr Abbas exempted Mr Fayyad from seeking a vote of confidence from the assembly.
The latest agreement comes at a time when the United Nations is seized of the application by the PA for recognition as a fullmember. Even though there is little possibility that Palestine will get statehood status, the move will embarrass Washington, because it will have to use the veto power for Israel`s benefit to block a just demand by a people struggling for liberation.
But irrespective of what the world body does, Fatah and Hamas have no choice but to forge unity to advance the Palestinian cause. Thursday`s agreement provides for a caretaker government, which will hold presidential and parliamentary elections within a year. Whatever the results, the two sides must honour the people`s mandate and work for democracy. More important, Fatah must reconcile itself to the loss of its monopoly over Palestinian leadership. Times have changed and Hamas`s social services among the Palestinian people have added to its stature. By signing the agreement, Mr Abbas has called Israel`s bluff. Israel has threatened reprisals if Hamas were to become part of the PA.
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