A senior official in the terrorist organization says a deal with Fatah on a PA unity government is near.
The former head of the Islamic University of Gaza, Mohammed Shbair, is the top candidate to take over the position of prime minister in the PA government. Shbair, an independent legislator in the PA legislature, is considered ideologically close to Hamas, but not an active member.
Haniyeh said Friday he would step down if the move would put an end to the international community’s freeze on funds to the PA government. He added, however, that “there would be no concessions” on Hamas’ continued refusal to formally acknowledge Israel’s right to exist. Recognition of Israel is one of the conditions set by the Quartet of peacekeeping nations as necessary to resume the flow of funds to the PA.
PA and Fatah Chairman Mahmoud Abbas expressed optimism on Saturday that a unity deal could be reached, despite Haniyeh’s remarks. He said he expected that the new government "will see the light of day before the end of the month,” in a speech commemorating the second anniversary of the death of his predecessor, Yasser Arafat.
Fatah faction leader Azzam al-Ahmen was more cautious, telling the Palestinian Authority news agency Ramaten that agreement on a new unity government was indeed on the horizon, assuming there would be no “surprises from Hamas.”
Shbair, 60, was president of the Islamic University of Gaza, a Hamas stronghold, for 13 years. The university is considered a hotbed of terrorism.
The former head of the Islamic University of Gaza, Mohammed Shbair, is the top candidate to take over the position of prime minister in the PA government. Shbair, an independent legislator in the PA legislature, is considered ideologically close to Hamas, but not an active member.
Haniyeh said Friday he would step down if the move would put an end to the international community’s freeze on funds to the PA government. He added, however, that “there would be no concessions” on Hamas’ continued refusal to formally acknowledge Israel’s right to exist. Recognition of Israel is one of the conditions set by the Quartet of peacekeeping nations as necessary to resume the flow of funds to the PA.
PA and Fatah Chairman Mahmoud Abbas expressed optimism on Saturday that a unity deal could be reached, despite Haniyeh’s remarks. He said he expected that the new government "will see the light of day before the end of the month,” in a speech commemorating the second anniversary of the death of his predecessor, Yasser Arafat.
Fatah faction leader Azzam al-Ahmen was more cautious, telling the Palestinian Authority news agency Ramaten that agreement on a new unity government was indeed on the horizon, assuming there would be no “surprises from Hamas.”
Shbair, 60, was president of the Islamic University of Gaza, a Hamas stronghold, for 13 years. The university is considered a hotbed of terrorism.