GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Since Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi's overthrow on July 3, the Hamas-led Gaza government has been suffering from a series of crises that could spell political suicide for the movement. Many believe that salvation is impossible unless Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas stretches his hand out to Hamas.

Regarding the likelihood of that happening, Al-Monitor met with the deputy foreign minister of the Hamas government, Ghazi Hamad, who believes the president can do a lot, whether at the level of ending the Rafah crossing crisis or protecting Gaza from acts of provocation. “In his capacity as president, Abbas has many responsibilities. I expected him to take more steps in Gaza especially after the blockade was tightened and the media attack [against Hamas],” he added. Hamad noted that Abbas had asked Egypt to open the crossing, but it was closed again two days later. “Rafah should remain open because of the urgent cases where people require medical treatment abroad,” he added.

“There have been calls with ministers in the West Bank and with officials in contact with the president. We are communicating with them since we consider the provision of services to the people a national obligation. We have conveyed exactly what is going on in Gaza, prompting the president’s own interest in the Strip,” Hamad stated.

The deputy foreign minister believed that the chance of Abbas intervening was still there. “This is not related to the situation in Egypt, negotiations or the weakness of any party. Reconciliation is a must. Many opportunities for reconciliation have been missed, including the one following the war last November, when the Palestinian Authority made gains at the UN,” he said.