GAZA CITY (Gaza Strip), April 16: The Hamas-led Palestinian government on Sunday renewed calls for a “national unity” coalition government with rival factions in a bid to stave off rising tensions between the groups that have severely weakened the new Islamic leadership.
Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh extended the offer during an emergency meeting with his rivals. The meeting came amid a growing rift with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah Party and a spike in violence with Israel.
“We affirmed the issue of forming a national unity government is under consideration,” government spokesman Ghazi Hamad told reporters. “The door is open to Fatah,” he said, adding that any alliance would require substantial dialogue.
Hamas controls a solid majority in parliament but has said it would like additional parties to join its government in the name of Palestinian unity.
It was unclear whether Fatah would accept the offer. Fatah officials have rejected similar offers since Hamas defeated them in January legislative elections, and the party did not attend Sunday’s meeting, citing tight time constraints. Fatah officials were not immediately available for comment.
Tensions have heightened in recent days since Haniyeh accused Abbas of trying to undermine the new government. Abbas aides have called Haniyeh’s comments unacceptable.
The infighting, along with an Israeli offensive in the northern Gaza Strip, has compounded troubles of Haniyeh’s fledgling government, which is coping with a financial crisis that has left it broke and unable to pay salaries of thousands of public sector workers.
Since taking office two and a half weeks ago, Hamas has come under intense international pressure to “renounce violence” and recognize Israel’s “right of existance.” Western donors have cut off tens of millions of dollars in direct aid, and Israel has suspended the monthly transfer of tax it collects for the Palestinians.
Despite the financial crisis, Hamas has refused to “moderate” its ideology.—AP
