Barghouti proposes Fatah reunification ahead of Palestinian elections

Imprisoned Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti has proposed an initiative aimed at reuniting the movement’s competing factions ahead of upcoming Palestinian elections, including a call for Fatah to contest the legislative vote on a single, inclusive list.

Fatah official Ahmed Ghunaim said on Thursday that Barghouti’s proposal had been formally submitted to the movement’s leadership, Central Committee and Revolutionary Council.

According to Ghunaim, the initiative calls for restoring unity among Fatah’s different components and addressing previous decisions that resulted in the exclusion, marginalization or dismissal of members and prominent figures.

The proposal also calls for Fatah to contest the legislative elections through a unified list representing the movement’s various currents rather than one faction within it, Ghunaim said.

Earlier reports about the initiative said Barghouti envisaged a single Fatah list bringing together the movement’s official leadership, the Democratic Reform Current led by Mohammed Dahlan, and other Fatah-affiliated groups and figures.

READ: Palestinians in Britain issue statement on National Council elections

Ghunaim said internal reconciliation should take place before decisions are made on the composition of Fatah’s electoral list.

“I am personally committed to Marwan Barghouti’s initiative,” Ghunaim said, while adding that he had yet to see clear practical steps from the movement’s leadership to implement the proposal.

He said the initiative does not impose a deadline or ultimatum on Fatah’s leadership, but instead emphasizes resolving internal disputes and taking organizational measures necessary to reunify the movement before the elections.

Fatah is currently preparing for the legislative elections and has said it remains committed to holding the vote as scheduled. Separate statements by Fatah officials on Thursday said Barghouti had communicated from prison that he would remain within Fatah’s official framework, while discussions aimed at resolving divisions with other Fatah currents were continuing.

READ: Palestinian sources: Marwan Barghouti proposes unified Fatah list for legislative elections