US peace plan may unwittingly unite Palestinians against it
Rival Palestinian factions are expected to meet again soon to seek reconciliation so they can make a united stand against the United States' "deal of the century."
Fatah and Hamas are working to put aside their differences to foil the "deal of the century," which the White House unveiled Jan. 28. All Palestinians, including the two long-divided movements, denounced the peace plan, which Palestinians say heavily favors Israel.
Palestinians are evaluating the negative implications of the deal, as well as its potential to turn the page on the Palestinian division. Their similar take on the peace plan stirs talk about how determined they are to achieve reconciliation and refuse the deal in one united voice. They are discussing the remaining points of contention between them, a possible meeting between their leaders — be it in Gaza or outside of it — and their demands from each other to achieve reconciliation.
In a rare step following the deal's introduction, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on most Palestinian faction leaders, including Hamas leaders in the West Bank, to come to the presidential headquarters in Ramallah. Hamas figures responded to the invitation, including several former ministers and members of the Palestinian Legislative Council such as Nasser al-Din al-Shaer, Samir Abu Aisha, Ayman Daraghmeh, Omar Abdul Razak and Ahmed Atoun.
Also that day, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh called Abbas and stressed his rejection of the deal, the importance of national unity, and Hamas’ readiness to work jointly with Fatah politically and in the field to thwart the US plan.
