Attaining 'unity' away from the PA is vital for Hamas

Turmoil and discord continue to characterise the Palestinian unity government as it persists in adhering to the imperialist agenda concocted during “Operation Protective Edge” last summer. Last June, PA President Mahmoud Abbas sought to alleviate Israel’s alleged fears during French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius’s visit to Jerusalem, stating that internationally-recognised conditions would form the basis for participation in the unity government.

According to Ma’an, Fatah official Azzam Al-Ahmad stated last Saturday that Hamas has to relinquish its rule of Gaza as a precondition to participating in the diplomatic endeavour that panders to international interference. Al-Ahmad said Hamas official Moussa Abu-Marzouk was “unqualified” to discuss the formation of the unity government, going so far as to accuse Hamas of “foiling” initiatives and work.

The latest ploy by Fatah is merely an exhibition of consistency with what US officials insisted should prevail as an outcome during Israel’s brutality, namely the complete marginalisation of Hamas in order to extend Fatah’s rule over Gaza, thus facilitating Israel’s colonial expansion.

Unlike Fatah, which has consistently relied upon security coordination with Israel in detaining members of the resistance movement as well as utilising the veneer of diplomacy and international platforms to promote the further deterioration of Palestinian territory and rights, Hamas is far removed from reliance upon fabricated dispute. The intention to ostracise Hamas has been gradually revealed through a series of calculated moves that will ultimately increase political discord at a diplomatic level. Palestinians, however, are unlikely to subjugate themselves willingly to further ridicule, thus creating the potential of strengthening resistance which is the foundation upon which political unity should be constructed.

To speak of political unity, however, carries significant difficulties that would entail constructing an alternative definition of unity. Since Abbas’s attempts at achieving unity have been based upon the prevalent trend of subservience to Israel and the international community, the unity government’s objective will become an extension of that foundation. In the same manner that Abbas has marginalised Hamas, allegedly in the name of unity, Hamas should embark upon a definition of unity that encompasses resistance factions, as well as the Palestinian population.

What Abbas and the unity government have defined as “unity” incorporates only a blatant, self-serving agenda of exploitation – a convenient political tactic that has applauded the ramifications of “Operation Protective Edge” in the form of construction delays agreed upon during the discussions regarding the UN’s deceptive plans to purportedly rebuild Gaza. It is worth noting once again that Hamas was eliminated from all major decision making processes despite its role in defending Gaza.

Demanding that Hamas cedes control of Gaza to the PA is an example of the illogical and puerile rhetoric spouting from an entity that bolsters its existence by practicing the same tactic – handing over Palestine to Zionist colonialism. It also explains the concept of “unity” from the PA’s perspective – a gradual distortion and asymmetry suffered by Palestinians that completes the map for Israel. It is therefore imperative upon Hamas to rethink unity as a concept thoroughly embedded in resistance, and one that is willing to fracture conventional definitions and applications in order to remain loyal to the aim of liberating all of colonised Palestine.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.