Qassam, Dahlan two obstacles before Palestinian reconciliation

CAIRO – 9 October 2017: While Arab and Palestinian attention focuses on Cairo on Monday in anticipation of the outcome of the supplementary round of negotiations for the Palestinian reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas, two main obstacles appear.

Palestinian sources revealed to pan-Arab Asharq Al Awsat newspaper that there are obstacles facing the two factions, such as weapons possessed by the Ezz Eddin Qassam Brigade (Hamas' military wing), and assigning a role to former Fatah leader Mohammad Dahlan.

According to statements by Fatah and Hamas before the inauguration of the Egypt-sponsored negotiations, Fatah insisted that the Palestinian National Authority (PNA/PA) should have the say on using weapons and avoiding a repetition of the "Lebanese Hezbullah model in Palestine," while Hamas has a "red line" regarding the "weapons of the resistance.”

Prominent leader in Hamas Fawzy Barhoum told Asharq Al Awsat that "the issue of Qassam Brigade weapons was not proposed for discussion by any Palestinian party at any round of the dialogue." He added, "Weapons of the resistance have a role that complements the weapons of the PA and the government. Weapons of the resistance are to protect the Palestinian people against aggression, and weapons of the PA are to protect the internal front."

The same stance is expressed by Hamas spokesman Abdul-Latif al-Qanou’, as he stated to many Arab media outlets that Qassam Brigade weapons are a "red line" that is not for discussion. He added, "In Hamas, we are keen on making the reconciliation work, and for the peace-and-war decision to be made in coordination with the rest of factions."

On the other hand, Hamas' delegate in Cairo, Samih Barzaq, believes all issues are up for discussion to complete the reconciliation. He recognizes that Hamas has taken a "giant" step, but "reconciliation cannot be accomplished by a mere clock. There are a lot of files to be settled, such as societal reconciliation, and they will be gradually worked out.”

He added, "We will not allow a repetition of the Hezbullah model in Gaza. Therefore, the political decision controls the war decision." He pointed out that the proposals to be discussed at the reconciliation table include "sending three thousand security elements under President Abu Mazen's instructions to administrate internal affairs under a united command."

Assigning a role to former Fatah leader Mohamad Dahlan is the second obstacle in the way of reconciliation talks. Barzaq says Dahlan "is officially wanted before the Palestinian judiciary, and no one can interfere with the affairs of the independent authority."

On the other hand, al-Qanou' considers that Hamas' relationship with Dahlan is normal within a humanitarian, social and political framework. He stressed that "Hamas builds relations with everyone, and it does not have any reservation on his (Dahlan) regard.”