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Analysts remain skeptical about the potential for change in internal Palestinian politics as Palestinian factions met in Egypt amidst growing divisions. The meeting concluded with PA President Mahmoud Abbas announcing the formation of a joint committee on intra-Palestinian reconciliation. However, analysts believe that this meeting was merely an attempt to manage, rather than resolve, the political division between factions like Fatah and Hamas. Both sides are reluctant to give up their political gains, with Hamas seeking to maintain its control over the Gaza Strip and Fatah needing to control the security situation. The current status quo is uncomfortable for both factions, with Hamas facing pressure from the blockade in Gaza and Fatah’s political negotiations having no prospect of success under the current Israeli government. The lack of common ground and unity between factions makes it unlikely that a unified national strategy can be formed. Some argue that holding national elections could be a way to break the deadlock, but the PA is not prepared for this. Instead, both sides are focused on arranging other interests, such as facilitating goods to Gaza and distributing the Palestinian share of Gaza’s natural gas. However, the increasing frustration among the Palestinian public, coupled with social and political pressures, may lead to a possible explosion if a solution is not found. Recent protests and strikes reflect a growing dissatisfaction with the Palestinian political system. A poll revealed that a majority of Palestinians support holding elections, believe the most pressing problem is the Israeli occupation, and oppose the arrest of members of armed resistance groups by Palestinian security forces. This frustration reflects the declining state of the Palestinian political system. In order to break the current impasse, a new political reality and a united front among Palestinian factions may be necessary.
