The Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammad Shtayyeh, said that together with the American authorities they are developing a post-war plan for the Gaza Strip, which involves a partnership with Hamas (a recognized terrorist organization). In Israel, the idea was criticized.
As Shtayyeh noted, they see Hamas as a junior partner of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which will help create a new independent Palestinian state. It should include the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, Reuters reports citing Bloomberg.
“If they (Hamas) are willing to reach an agreement and accept the PLO as a political platform, then there will be room for negotiations. Palestinians should not be divided,” Shtayyeh said, stressing that Israel’s goal of completely defeating Hamas is unrealistic.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the proposal. “The fact that the Palestinian Authority is proposing this only reinforces my policy: the Palestinian Authority is not the solution,” he said.