GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Since Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi's overthrow on July 3, the Hamas-led Gaza government has been suffering from a series of crises that could spell political suicide for the movement. Many believe that salvation is impossible unless Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas stretches his hand out to Hamas.
Regarding the likelihood of that happening, Al-Monitor met with the deputy foreign minister of the Hamas government, Ghazi Hamad, who believes the president can do a lot, whether at the level of ending the Rafah crossing crisis or protecting Gaza from acts of provocation. “In his capacity as president, Abbas has many responsibilities. I expected him to take more steps in Gaza especially after the blockade was tightened and the media attack [against Hamas],” he added. Hamad noted that Abbas had asked Egypt to open the crossing, but it was closed again two days later. “Rafah should remain open because of the urgent cases where people require medical treatment abroad,” he added.
