Luke Allen – Military Political Analyst – Makati, Manila – lukeallenmanila@journlist.com
In a rare and pointed critique, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has openly condemned Hamas for its role in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This move significantly escalates the internal tensions between his Fatah faction and the militant group. This critique, coming from a figure of such authority, underscores the gravity of the situation. Abbas’s remarks come in the wake of a devastating Israeli attack that resulted in the deaths of 90 people and left 300 others wounded, including an attempt on the life of Hamas military chief Mohammad Deif.
Abbas did not mince words in his condemnation of both the Israeli assault and Hamas’s actions. “The Hamas movement is a partner in bearing legal, moral, and political responsibility for the continuation of the Israeli war,” Abbas stated, holding the group accountable for the conflict that has ravaged Gaza since the surprise attack on October 7th, which many attribute to Hamas.
The Israeli strike targeted Deif and his aide, aiming to dismantle the leadership of the group accused of initiating the recent escalation. While Deif may have survived, the attack has further inflamed the already volatile situation in Gaza, leading to widespread destruction and significant casualties.
Abbas’s comments highlight the growing divide between his Fatah faction, which controls the West Bank, and Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007. The rift between the two groups has only deepened over the years, but this latest conflict has brought the underlying tensions to the forefront. For Abbas, the October 7th attack by Hamas marked a turning point, as he held the group responsible for dragging the Palestinian people into a war that resulted in tremendous suffering.
“The ongoing war is a tragedy for our people,” Abbas said. “Hamas’s actions have brought nothing but destruction and pain. This conflict must end, and Hamas must bear its share of the responsibility for the devastation it has caused.”
The Palestinian president’s condemnation of the Israeli attack was equally strong. He described the strike that killed dozens and injured hundreds as “a heinous act of aggression,” underscoring the high human cost of the ongoing conflict. The Israeli military has justified its actions as necessary measures to neutralize threats posed by Hamas, but the collateral damage has drawn widespread international criticism.
Abbas’s statements are likely to have significant political ramifications. His willingness to publicly blame Hamas for the continuation of the war suggests a strategic shift, as he seeks to distance his administration from the militant group’s actions. This move could be aimed at preserving his standing with the international community and reinforcing his commitment to a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
However, this stance also risks alienating a segment of the Palestinian populace that supports Hamas or sees the group as a legitimate resistance movement against Israeli occupation. The internal Palestinian political landscape is complex, with deep-seated loyalties and grievances that have festered for decades. This complexity adds an intricate layer to the situation.
The international community has watched the recent developments with growing concern. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with thousands of civilians caught in the crossfire and desperate need of assistance. This global concern underscores the urgency of the problem.
Abbas’s critique of Hamas and his condemnation of the Israeli attack underscore the multifaceted nature of the conflict. As the Palestinian president navigates this delicate situation, his actions and statements will be closely scrutinized by both his supporters and detractors, as well as by international observers.
In this turbulent period, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges. Abbas’s call for accountability and an end to the war reflects a broader desire among many Palestinians for a future free from violence and suffering. Yet, achieving this goal will require navigating a complex web of political, social, and historical factors that continue to shape the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.