Increased demands from within Fatah to dismiss Hamdallah
Tension prevailed over ties between some Fatah members and Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, particularly since Ahmed Halawa was beaten to death by security forces in Nablus, which prompted many Fatah leaders to demand that Hamdallah be dismissed from his post.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — On Aug. 23, former Fatah leader Ahmed Abu al-Ezz Halawa was beaten to death by Palestinian security forces in Nablus, in the northern West Bank. His killing has sparked anger against the government, which was reflected in thousands of people, including Fatah leaders and members, taking part in his funeral Aug. 28. During the funeral, slogans were chanted against Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah and Nablus Governor Akram Rajoub, calling for their dismissal from their posts. This stance was also endorsed by Halawa’s family and a number of Fatah leaders.
Fatah member of parliament Najat Abu Bakr, who took part in the funeral, told Al-Monitor, “Fatah has serious reservations on the government's performance and practices, the latest of which was the killing of Halawa.” She added, “Halawa’s wife told me in person that Hamdallah is primarily responsible for the killing of her husband.”
Abu Bakr said, “Hamdallah should submit his resignation, admit his failure and give citizens some dignity. Had I been in his shoes, I would have resigned immediately. The people of Nablus and Fatah leaders in the city have demanded that the government resigns.”
Although Hamdallah announced Aug. 23 the formation of an inquiry commission into the Nablus incident, some Fatah leaders have not been satisfied and viewed that a presidential commission, including members of parliament as well as other social figures and members of the military judiciary, should have been formed instead of the inquiry commission that consists of ministers in the government, which is a party involved in the crisis.
