The Palestinian leadership in Ramallah, under President Mahmoud Abbas, persists with a strategy of prudent neutrality, closely observing the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel since October 7. Abbas has not signaled any intention to engage with Hamas or entertain the notion of stepping down to make way for new leadership. The trust deficit between Abbas and Hamas has deepened, with Abbas critiquing Hamas for the precarious situation of Gaza’s people and the Palestinian cause, exacerbated by the global view of Hamas as a terror group, complicating potential collaboration. Conversely, Hamas criticizes Abbas for his perceived inaction against Israeli measures and American policies as the Gaza conflict persists.
Abbas’s low-profile stance, cordial Western relations, and adherence to international norms, he argues, are preserving Palestinian nationalism. In private meetings with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the Palestinian leadership received commendation for maintaining calm in the West Bank and averting a third intifada, deemed crucial by Palestinian officials in light of the current Israeli sentiment. Abbas has instructed his security apparatus to ensure the West Bank does not mirror Gaza’s turmoil. Despite heightened tensions and provocations from Israeli settlers and hardline politicians, Abbas’s patience is deemed necessary, albeit politically contentious. The Americans, post-conflict, have pledged to support a two-state resolution encompassing the West Bank, parts of Jerusalem, and Gaza. They have reassured Abbas of maintaining the PLO’s central role in Gaza’s future, highlighting its exclusive representation of the Palestinian people.
Abbas anticipates Hamas’s acceptance of his conditions, as stated at the Egypt-sponsored Alameen summit, which includes adherence to international norms—a stance that would necessitate recognizing Israel, a step Hamas resists. The dynamic between the PLO and Hamas acknowledges the inevitability of their collaboration post-conflict. Hamas is aware that the Palestinian government will likely spearhead Gaza’s reconstruction, while Ramallah recognizes the necessity of Hamas’s acquiescence for any advancement into Gaza.
The big question remains whether Hamas will align with Abbas’s demands or if a median will be established that is acceptable to the Americans. The slow pace of the Palestinian Authority’s actions is a source of frustration for many, including prominent Palestinian nationalists like Oraib Rantawi, who urges Fatah to reinvigorate itself as a liberation movement. Rantawi’s appeal includes a more assertive PA security role in aiding Gaza and safeguarding West Bank Palestinians from settler violence. He warns that the window for such transformative action is rapidly closing. The prospect of Marwan Barghouti’s release—a revered Fatah figure imprisoned in Israel—is discussed as a potential catalyst for unifying and rejuvenating the Palestinian movement.
For now, the status quo prevails in Ramallah’s corridors of power. Abbas’s administration signals openness to future cooperation with Hamas, yet it remains uncertain if Hamas will consent to a secondary role.
