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Palestinian internal politics deteriorating on all fronts

Internal differences within the PLO have caused President Mahmoud Abbas to place financial pressure on the PFLP, which has accused him of a monopoly over political decisions.
Supporters of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) take part in a protest against the policies of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in Gaza City April 12, 2016. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem - RTX29K7J

Disagreements in the Palestinian leadership have started affecting the factions within the ruling Palestinian Liberation Organization. Tensions between PLO’s leading faction, Fatah, and especially President Mahmoud Abbas, and the second-largest PLO faction, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), are now in the open.

The PFLP, a left-wing movement, has for years been a thorn in the side of Fatah, both under late PLO leader Yasser Arafat and Abbas. However, the two factions have tolerated each other and shared common ground — until now.

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