Hamas divided over rapprochement with Dahlan
As Hamas studies its limited options to overcome the crisis in Gaza, some senior officials are advocating a detente with Mohammed Dahlan to weaken President Mahmoud Abbas.
Hamas’ options in Gaza are slimming by the day as the Palestinians face further suffering following the recent Gaza war. While Hamas weighs its limited means to overcome the worsening crisis, the movement opened the door to a rapprochement with former Fatah strongman and President Mahmoud Abbas’ arch rival, Mohammed Dahlan. A series of gestures in December between the two have led to the prospect of a detente.
On Dec. 18, Hamas allowed hundreds of Dahlan’s supporters to organize demonstrations in Gaza, during which they displayed posters attacking Abbas for remaining silent in the face of Gazan suffering and for impeding reconstruction work. The protesters demanded the ouster of Abbas and an end to the Palestinian Authority’s corruption and betrayal. These pro-Dahlan demonstrations, the first since Hamas seized control of Gaza in mid-2007, marked a pivotal shift in his relationship with Hamas. But it should be noted that the demonstrations did not have the unanimous approval of Hamas officials.
On Dec. 20, Hamas participated in the National Islamic Committee for Social Solidarity in Gaza, which gave money to 10,000 people who were wounded in the recent war through funding by the United Arab Emirates through Dahlan’s bureau. On Dec. 28, Dahlan’s wife, Jalila, arrived in Gaza to meet with several charities and provide moral and financial support for the needy.
Hamas’ leader in Gaza, Ismail Haniyeh, issued the movement’s most recent statement on Dahlan on Dec. 29, during which he welcomed the recent aid provided by Dahlan in Gaza, as long as it was unconditional and separated from any regional or local agendas.
