Al-Jazeera's English website featured a report over the weekend that suggests political divisions within the Palestinian cause are exacerbating a deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip. The report comes on the first anniversary of Hamas's takeover of Gaza, and claims that many within the Palestinian press have voiced their frustration with the current situation.
A Hamas official is cited as stating that Palestinian society has become more politically polarized. The report also references a poll by the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research (PCPSR) that indicates Hamas and its leaders have also experienced a decline in popularity. According to the Al-Jazeera, this internal political crisis has coincided with 100,000 lost jobs in Gaza since June of last year due to factors stemming from Israel's blockade.
Apparently, the situation in Gaza is becoming problematic for Hamas whose electoral campaign in 2006 was largely built on a platform that vowed to improve the quality of life for Palestinians. However, any political rapprochement between the factions would likely have to coincide with some sort of economic stimulus/relief in Gaza in order to create an environment conducive for a long-term internal compromise.
In terms of internal dialogue, the Palestinian Ma’an news agency mentioned today that a Fatah delegation from the West Bank would be arriving on Tuesday to meet with its branch in Gaza. The delegation aims to discuss with its Gaza-based members President Mahmoud Abbas's call for dialogue with Hamas… so perhaps part of the equation is beginning to be addressed.
