Hamas delegates find welcome at Fatah conference, but not trust
Despite the recent civility between Fatah and Hamas, it will take more than a Hamas delegation at Fatah's general conference to repair their nine years of division, as mutual distrust remains strong.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — Recent developments have some observers asking if PLO parties Hamas and Fatah are possibly nearing reconciliation, but others point to the numerous failed attempts at rapprochement since the groups split violently in 2007.
A Hamas delegation participated in the opening of Fatah’s seventh general congress Nov. 29 in Ramallah, possibly marking a turning point in the groups' relations.
Ahmed Haj Ali, Hamas' representative to the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), expressed the importance of his group's participation in the event. Speaking on behalf of Khaled Meshaal, the head of Hamas’ political bureau, Haj Ali said, “We are partners in our homeland and the decision-making process. We are ready [to assume] all the requirements of our partnership with Fatah and all other factions.”
On Nov. 30, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who heads Fatah, thanked Meshaal for “his kind and promising words."
