Abbas, Arab states, pushing for Israel offensive on Gaza

Hamas member Mahmoud Al-Zahar yesterday accused Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas of pushing for a new Israeli offensive on Gaza, adding that he is backed by a number of Arab states, Quds Net News reported.

Al-Zahar insisted that Abbas delivered “negative” messages “that do not encourage reconciliation” through his speech at the UN General Assembly.

He also stated that Hamas delegation, which travelled to Cairo yesterday morning, is only discussing issues related to the internal reconciliation based on the previous deals reached in 2011 and 2017.

“Abbas blamed Hamas for everything through his accusations made at the UN General Assembly,” Al-Zahar said.

Read: US attacks Abbas for undermining Gaza truce efforts

Regarding the obstacles ahead of reconciliation, the Hamas official said: “Abbas wants to control everything in Gaza without taking up any security responsibility.”

Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported sources saying discussions in Cairo include a potential prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel, stressing that Israel is eager to “activate” this issue through contacting several mediators, including Norway and Egypt.