RAMALLAH, West Bank — Fatah-Hamas ties slid down a slippery slope late last week following mutual accusations of treason. This has weighed down the ties between the two movements, as well as the timid efforts to implement the stalled reconciliation deal signed in April 2014. Islamic Jihad and leftist factions attempted to prevent the collapse of reconciliation prospects. 

To this effect, the PLO's Executive Committee announced March 19 that it will be send a delegation representing all factions to the Gaza Strip to hold an inclusive dialogue with the participation of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The dialogue will address the implementation of previous agreements, such as preparing for the elections, developing the framework of the PLO and helping the government supervise the Gaza Strip and certain border crossings.

Accusations of treason were ignited March 13, when Gaza's Interior Ministry released recordings attributed to Ramallah's security services. The ministry claimed that the security forces were responsible for “the destabilization of Gaza, the spread of chaos and the surveillance and armament of military wings in Gaza.” Meanwhile, Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar accused President Mahmoud Abbas of “personally being involved in the destabilization of Gaza.”

Fatah spokesman Ahmad Assaf said that the objective of Hamas’ accusations is “to justify the separation of the Gaza Strip [from the West Bank], and to cover up the involvement of some of its leaders in spying and security cooperation with Israel.”