Fatah, Hamas to discuss security in Gaza under unity deal

GAZA/RAMALLAH: Negotiators from Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas will discuss security in the Gaza Strip at unity talks in Cairo on Tuesday, including a proposal that would see Fatah security personnel deployed to the territory.

The plan for 3,000 Fatah security officers to join a Gaza police force over the course of a year, part of a unity deal mediated by Egypt in 2011, would restore much of the influence of President Mahmoud Abbas in Gaza and further loosen Hamas’ grip. The deal was never implemented.

The loss damaged Abbas’ credibility in the eyes of the West and Israel, after years of being their main Palestinian diplomatic counterpart.

But under Egypt’s mediation, major steps have been made towards narrowing rifts since Hamas handed administrative powers in Gaza to a Fatah-backed government last month. “The sides will discuss the security issue, especially in Gaza, in the way that serves the home front, enforces the rule of law in a professional and national way and is not factional,” said Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum.

Under the deal, Hamas would still have the most powerful armed Palestinian faction, whose estimated 25,000 well-equipped fighters have fought three wars with Israel since 2008.

“The issue of arms of resistance is not up for discussion,” Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said.

Officials said that apart from the implementation of the 2011 agreement and security, the Cairo talks would also cover issues such as setting a date for presidential and legislative elections and reforming the Palestine Liberation Organisation, which is in charge of peace efforts with Israel.