After the war's conclusion, discussions centered around the Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, potentially taking charge of the Gaza Strip, currently controlled by Hamas. This potential shift in power has sparked controversy, with Israel rejecting the idea and accusing the Palestinian Authority of supporting terror.
In an interview with Al-Arabija, Mahmoud Habbash, an advisor to Abbas, criticized extremist groups, including Hamas, for giving Israel a reason to "commit more crimes." He warned of a "harsh reckoning" for those advocating for further conflict, without explicitly naming Hamas. However, Habbash also acknowledged Israel's responsibility for the violence in the Palestinian coastal region.
Mahmoud Al-Habbash, a close advisor to Abbas, has been vocal about his disagreements with Hamas. He has criticized Hamas's leadership for steering the Palestinian resistance into what he sees as dangerous corners, leading to six devastating wars in Gaza. Al-Habbash believes that Hamas's actions have provided Israel with additional reasons to harm the Palestinian cause and has urged the group to reflect on its mistakes.
Moreover, Al-Habbash has called for Hamas to join the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and accept its platform as a means to achieve unity among Palestinian factions. He believes that unity under the PLO is essential for effectively confronting the Israeli occupation.
However, tensions between the PLO and Hamas remain, complicating efforts to achieve national unity. Al-Habbash has criticized Hamas for not consulting or briefing the PLO on significant events, such as the October 7, 2023, massacre. This lack of coordination has been seen as a major challenge in maintaining unity among Palestinians.
Despite Al-Habbash's calls for unity, disagreements and strategy differences between Hamas and the PLO continue to hinder a unified Palestinian front against Israeli occupation. The future of the Gaza Strip and the broader Palestinian cause hinge on the ability of Palestinian factions to find common ground and work together effectively.
