Hamas reconciles with Palestinian Authority in Gaza
The Islamist group’s unity drive has been prompted by a funding shortfall resulting from the Qatar blockade
Hamas and the mainstream Palestinian Authority took a further step towards reconciliation on Monday as the West Bank-based Palestinian Prime Minister Rami al-Hamdallah crossed into the Gaza Strip, more than a decade after the Islamist group seized control of the territory in a bitter civil war.
Hamas has been more open to working with the Palestinian Authority since Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates imposed an economic boycott on its main donor, Qatar, over its alleged support of terrorism.
Last month, the group, which is still classed as a terrorist organisation by Israel, the US and the EU, disbanded its Gaza shadow government before announcing last week that it was handing over administrative control of Gaza to a unity government headed by Hamdallah.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
While the movement’s armed wing “remains the dominant power in the Palestinian enclave of two million people”, Reuters says, the “narrowing internal divisions could help western-backed [Palestinian President Mahmoud] Abbas counter Israel’s argument that it has no negotiating partner for peace with the Palestinians”.
Michael Oren, Israel’s deputy minister for diplomacy, played down the unity drive, saying “it happens every two or three years”. Hamas remains dedicated to Israel’s destruction, he said, and if the group was able to retain its arms, peace negotiations would be a “a non-starter for Israel”.
The new Palestinian unity cabinet is expected to meet in Gaza on Tuesday to set a date for presidential and parliamentary elections.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - February 1, 2025
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - broken eggs, contagious lies, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 humorously unhealthy cartoons about RFK Jr.
Cartoons Artists take on medical innovation, disease spreading, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Brodet (fish stew) recipe
The Week Recommends This hearty dish is best accompanied by a bowl of polenta
By The Week UK Published
-
Who is the Hat Man? 'Shadow people' and sleep paralysis
In Depth 'Sleep demons' have plagued our dreams throughout the centuries, but the explanation could be medical
By The Week Staff Published
-
After Gaza: what is Israel doing in the West Bank?
Today's Big Question Benjamin Netanyahu launches 'extensive and significant' operation, with deadly strikes on Jenin, arrests and checkpoints across the occupied territory
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Life after being a hostage
Under The Radar Israel expects released captives to have 'severe' physical and emotional challenges
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Top Israeli general to resign over Oct. 7 failures
Speed Read Herzi Halevi took responsibility for his failure to prevent the attacks that sparked Israel's war in Gaza
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal on track to start by Monday
Speed Read A deal between Israel and Hamas to release hostages and begin a ceasefire was officially signed by representatives in Doha
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israel and Hamas reach long-awaited Gaza ceasefire
The Explainer After more than a year of violence that has left tens of thousands dead and pushed the Middle East toward broader regional war, negotiators say an end is in sight
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
What will happen in 2025? Predictions and events
The Explainer The new year could bring further chaos in the Middle East and an intensifying AI arms race – all under the shadow of a second Donald Trump presidency
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Why Assad fell so fast
The Explainer The newly liberated Syria is in an incredibly precarious position, but it's too soon to succumb to defeatist gloom
By The Week UK Published