Palestinian Unity: David Martin Abrahams

Update, October 2026: Since this article was written, Fatah and Hamas signed further reconciliation agreements, including in 2014, 2017 and 2024, but none of them ended the split between the West Bank and Gaza. On 7 October 2023 Hamas led an attack on Israel, and war in Gaza followed. A ceasefire took effect in October 2025.

In recent years relations between the two main Palestinian factions, Fatah and Hamas, have been nothing short of toxic. Following Palestinian elections in 2006 and the rise to power in the Gaza Strip by Hamas in 2007, Palestinians have been governed by two distinct governments from Gaza and Ramallah. Hamas has consistently refused to recognize the legitimacy and authority of Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, because it says his term of office expired more than a year ago. Fatah loyalists have often been unable to hide their hatred of fundamentalist hard-liners in Hamas who took control of Gaza in 2007. Under the leadership of President Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah was recognized by the international community and furnished with western aid while the Hamas-run Gaza was placed under a comprehensive blockade. Gaza experienced severe economic stagnation yet significant progress was achieved in state-building efforts implemented in the West Bank. This schism between Palestinians also severely undermined the Palestinian negotiating position vis-à-vis Israel since the Palestinian President in effect represented only one half of two bitterly divided entities.

However Palestinian unity is a goal cherished by most people in Gaza and the West Bank, who say that the four-year split has seriously undermined and harmed chances of the creation of an independent Palestinian state. That is why there was much optimism when in May the Egyptian brokered Hamas-Fatah unity deal was signed. The unity deal is backed by 13 Palestinian factions which has the potential to heal the split of two competing parts of the Palestinian territory. Now the Palestinian unity agreement signed with much fanfare has run into trouble. Hamas has rejected the rival Fatah faction's nominee for Prime Minister, Salam Fayyad. This bump in the road should not be allowed to derail the delicate unity process. This issue must be worked through by the parties concerned and resolved appropriately. Other hurdles to be overcome include the question of whether elections will take place as scheduled and whether political prisoners will be released? These obstacles to the smooth implementation of the unity accord are not insurmountable and with courage and visionary leadership can be overcome.

For the sake of the Palestinian people these challenges must be overcome. Given the widespread enthusiasm in the Palestinian territories for the unity deal, it is clear ordinary Palestinians want this deal to succeed. Newly regained Palestinian unity has the potential to transform the parameters of Middle East peacemaking. For the first time in years, Palestinians will be represented by a single government. This will strengthen their bargaining power and enable the Palestinian leadership to follow through on any comprehensive peace plan. Most Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza want to be united as one people in one state. A federal governmental model with devolution of power can be adopted to ameliorate factional tensions and rivalries. A federal Palestinian Parliament could be established, located in Jerusalem with devolved assemblies in Gaza and Ramallah. This way forward could be the path towards healing Palestinian divisions and enabling a lasting and permanent peace with Israel, one which all sections of Palestinian society can support.