GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — A recent shuffle of positions at the Ministry of Interior in Gaza has shone a spotlight on the ongoing split between the West Bank and Gaza and the floundering effort at Palestinian reconciliation. 

Ministry of Interior spokesperson Iyad al-Bazm confirmed to Al-Monitor, “The Hamas leadership appointed on Dec. 12 the released detainee Toufic Abu Naim as leader of the internal security forces, which include the internal security apparatus and the police. Abu Naim succeeds Salah Abu Sharkh, who was appointed undersecretary of the Ministry of Transportation in Gaza. Abu Naim reportedly spent 22 years in Israeli prisons and was released as part of the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal on Oct. 11, 2011.”

Defending the shuffle, Hamas leader and parliamentarian Salem Salama told Al-Monitor, “This is a change in jobs and administrative positions that ministries and security apparatuses usually make. This is a legal and correct measure that provides diversified experience and encourages passing it on.”

Salama further stated, “Hamas does not function outside the legal framework. It has the right to do whatever serves the public interest, including changes and reshuffling. The consensus government has relinquished its responsibilities toward the Gaza Strip and has refused to deal with the ministries or acknowledge the employees appointed after the division and Hamas’ control of Gaza, [which it took over] in 2007. In light of this, the steps that Hamas, which won the 2006 parliamentary elections, is taking are legal and convenient for controlling the situation and making life functional in Gaza.