In a move that is likely to divide international opinion on Palestine, its leader Mahmoud Abbas is believed to have invited the militia group Hamas to join his cabinet, pre-empting further attacks on the withdrawing Jewish settlers of Gaza. Hamas, listed as a terrorist organization by the West, is responsible for the numerous suicide bombings and armed attacks on Israeli civilians and said to be considering the offer.
Abbas’ offer came this week after rejection of Hamas’ demand for a special committee to oversee the post-withdrawal transfer of powers in Gaza. By involving Hamas, Mr Abbas hopes to smoothen the Israeli evacuation from Gaza next month.
Israel, as it prepares for withdrawal, strongly fears that Abbas’ fledgling administration may lack the experience and unity to smoothen the chaos likely post-evacuation. Even as withdrawal nears, the truce reached with Hamas and other militia appears to be on shaky grounds with increasing number of attacks on Israeli targets.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has expressed its discontent with the Palestinian move to buy peace saying that it would hurt the Israel-Palestine peace process. Backed by the US, Israel has demanded of the present Palestine government, for the disarmament of militant groups including Hamas. Regev, a spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry said that Hamas cannot be a partner “in any sort of political process” after being a “part of the problem”.
Winning the municipal elections in several West Bank and Gaza districts earlier this Hamas’ sphere of influence has been significant enough for even the West to take notice. Unable to ignore Hamas' strong presence in Gaza or their demand to be a part of its administration, Abbas is believed to have little choice but to make this offer to co-opt. Whether Hamas will take it up or not largely depends on the Islamic group's leadership in Gaza and abroad.
