Egyptian Plan Gives Hope of Palestinian Reconciliation
Posted October 1, 2009
CNI Staff Writer, Kyle@cnionline.org
Palestinian factions have shown signs this week that they are working towards reconciliation. The deal, based on a proposal set out by the Egyptian government, has received public endorsement from the largest Palestinian groups, Hamas and Fatah.
Khaled Meshaal, the exiled political leader of Hamas, stated his agreement on the principles of the plan after a meeting with Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman on Monday. Calling it “a good basis to achieve Palestinian reconciliation,” Meshaal privately offered suggestions and asked for “clarifications” regarding certain details of the plan.
A leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Kayed Al-Ghoul called Meshaal’s comments a positive sign and expressed his group’s “optimism” regarding the proposal.
Fatah, the party headed by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, has previously expressed its support to Cairo.
While the formation of a unity government is viewed as unlikely in the near future, the Egyptian proposal could pave the wave for integration of security forces in Gaza and the West Bank, elections in the first half of 2010, a deal on detainees, and creation of new supervisory committees.
Disagreement over certain issues – the timing of elections, the integration of security forces, and the proportional composition of the Palestinian Legislative Council and the new committees – could threaten the successful implementation. Egyptian leaders are considering the concerns of all parties and are expected to finalize the plan in October.
Reconciliation is in the interest of all Palestinians. Setting aside their differences to work for the future of a Palestinian state and the welfare of the Palestinian people would boost the image of the factions’ leaders on the international stage and provide additional leverage in any future negotiations with Israel. Additionally, leadership from the Arab world, such as that demonstrated by Egypt in this initiative, is essential for creating the conditions to end the occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza.
