How Egypt’s success is evident in reconciling Palestine

CAIRO – 2 October 2017: For the past few days, many indicators of Egypt’s success in reconciling Fatah and Hamas have been evident, especially after ending the division between the two.

The first of these indicators became evident on September 18, 2017; when Hamas stated its willingness to reconcile with Fatah, after a three-month period of intense negotiations in Cairo.

Other indicators are as follows:

International Commendation:

On September 29, 2017, Russia, the U.S., the European Union, and the UN (the Quartet) issued a statement commending Egyptian efforts in creating the right conditions for the Palestinian Authority to assume its responsibilities in Gaza.

The Quartet indicated their willingness to engage with Israel and the Palestinian Authority to support the reconciliation process, because ending the Palestinian Fatah-Hamas division would end the Gaza humanitarian crisis. The reconciliation would lift closures of crossings, and commence the process of reconstructing the Strip; both being necessary for lasting peace.

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nikolay Mladenov, had paid his first visit to the Gaza Strip on September 25, 2017, and was received by Hamas’ leader in the Strip, Yahya Sinwar.

Mladenov hailed Egyptian efforts in bringing about the reconciliation, as well as Hamas’ decision to end the division. This was the first statement issued by the Quartet in years about the Palestinian reconciliation, which demonstrates the powerful international praise that Egyptian endeavors were met with.

Hamas Vows to End the Division:

On August 28, Hamas’ leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, vowed to resolve all issues and problems impacting Palestine, because the reconciliation decision is strategic and irrevocable. He emphasized that Hamas will make further concessions to achieve reconciliation and end the division.

Sinwar made these statements during the first meeting held with young people in the Gaza Strip since Hamas renounced its control of it. The meeting convened for four and a half hours.

Sinwar asserted that Hamas is powerful and united, which would enable it to make great concessions for reconciliation. He vowed to stand up to those in Hamas who oppose the reconciliation, even before facing up to those who do in Fatah. This was a significant promise, which ended the controversy concerning Hamas’ ability to convince Palestinian factions in the Strip with the reconciliation.

Hamas Reorders its Priorities:

It was evident that Hamas was reconsidering its political agenda. This manifested itself recently in Hamas’ chief leader Ismail Haniyeh’s statements during his meeting with other Hamas officials and factions in the Strip on September 25.

Haniyeh indicated that Hamas’ priority is developing Palestine’s national project. He further asserted Hamas’ willingness to cooperate with Arab and regional countries.

In his meeting with the youth of the Strip, Sinwar denied that Hamas intended for a war or confrontation with Israel to occur, while preserving the movement’s right to defend the Strip in case Tel Aviv decides to wage a war.

The movement’s priority at the time was facing the humanitarian crisis pervading in Gaza and ending the division. This was a paradigm shift in the movement’s strategy, and at the same time, was in agreement with the Egyptian vision on solving the Palestinian issue.

Thus, identifying another of Cairo’s successes; as it aimed to persuade Hamas to change its convictions and to persuade it to heed national interests as a priority, over partisan gains.

Popular Approval in Gaza:

Some had doubts that the people of Gaza would welcome the reconciliation. However, many events were organized to commend Egyptian efforts in achieving it.

On September 29, the Palestinian Tribal Council organized a demonstration at the Al-Jundi Al-Majhool area (The Unknown Soldier) in Gaza to celebrate the reconciliation and the end of the division, while thanking Egypt for its endeavors in this regard.

Head of the Supreme Committee for Palestinian Tribes’ Affairs, and Head of the Popular Conference to End Division, Sheikh Soliman Abu Al-Maghna, said that Egypt embraced the Palestinian people. Moreover, Hamas’ National and Public Relations Delegate, Akif Al-Misri, and Leader of the Islamist Jihad, Khaled Al-Batsh, have both thanked Egypt.

Handover of Power in Gaza to Fatah Begins:

The Palestinian Authority, headed by Rami Hamdallah, announced that it would head to the Gaza Strip on October 2, 2017 to hold its weekly meeting and begin assuming its responsibilities there. It will be accompanied by an Egyptian security delegation, which will oversee the first reconciliation meeting between Fatah and Hamas.

Hamdallah’s government will begin assuming power in Gaza effectively and fully, without any prejudice. It will put the Basic Law of Palestine into effect in all sectors and fields without any exceptions.

In addition, a number of Cabinet Committees will be formed to handle taking over crossings and government institutions, as well as addressing the impact and consequences of the division and all civil, administrative and legal issues resulting from it.

Finally, Egypt’s ability in bringing about the Palestinian reconciliation and President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi’s speech at the 72nd United Nations General Assembly, where he called for supporting the resolution of the Palestinian issue, built up momentum for the cause.

The cause was not a priority on the international and Arab political tables since 2011 due to the Arab Spring. The international, Arab, and Palestinian communities should now continue supporting Egypt’s steadfast efforts in establishing a permanent peaceful settlement.

This article was originally published in Arabic in Al-Siyasa Al-Dawliya magazine.