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**AMALLAH, West Bank—Tensions are escalating between Hamas and its Palestinian counterparts, hinting at a potential civil conflict and raising questions about the future governance of Gaza post-war.
In a recent development, Hamas detained several Palestinian Authority officials in Gaza and obstructed an aid convoy overseen by Palestinian Authority staff, accusing them of collaborating with Israel. This marked the first standoff between the two factions since the Oct. 7 attacks that sparked the ongoing conflict. Hamas also announced its intention to apprehend more individuals affiliated with the Palestinian Authority in Gaza.
Simultaneously, Fatah, which controls the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, publicly criticized Iran, one of Hamas's primary backers. Fatah rebuked Iran's interference in regional affairs and expressed concern about the growing influence of foreign powers in Palestinian matters.
The deep-rooted animosity between Hamas and Fatah poses a significant challenge to establishing a new administration in Gaza after the conclusion of Israel's military campaign, now in its seventh month. The rift between the two factions dates back to 2007 when Hamas forcibly removed Fatah from Gaza after winning legislative elections in the Palestinian territories the previous year. Since then, the divide has widened, with Hamas accusing the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority in the West Bank of collaborating with Israel and the West.
The current tension has implications for the international community, particularly the United States and other Western powers, which are looking to a reformed Palestinian Authority to assume a leadership role in Gaza and prevent a power vacuum that could benefit Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who opposes a Palestinian state, remains cautious about the Palestinian Authority governing both the West Bank and Gaza, although some senior Israeli officials have not ruled out collaboration with the Ramallah-based body or Fatah members.
There is a general consensus that some form of cooperation with individuals related to the Palestinian Authority will be necessary. However, the exact nature of this cooperation and the role of the current Palestinian Authority in governing Gaza remain uncertain.
Hamas is intensifying its efforts to maintain a political presence by restricting the authority's access to Gaza. Hamas's interior ministry reported the arrest of six individuals affiliated with a "suspicious force" managed by Palestinian Authority intelligence officials. According to Hamas, the security force coordinated with Israel, prompting Hamas to vow further arrests of individuals involved.
In response to Hamas's actions, Fatah's spokesman in Gaza, Munzer Al-Hayek, accused Hamas of attempting to eliminate any control on the ground outside its own and of portraying the PA as a foreign entity.
The situation underscores the urgent need to prevent a power vacuum in Gaza post-war. The United Nations, while cautious not to interfere in internal affairs, recognizes the importance of maintaining stability in both the West Bank and Gaza.
Before the conflict, the Palestinian Authority had some funding programs in Gaza and collaborated with certain ministries in the Hamas government. However, Hamas has less direct influence in the Israel-occupied West Bank.
Israeli security officials have reportedly devised a plan to distribute aid in Gaza, potentially paving the way for a Palestinian-led governing authority in the region. The plan aims to involve Palestinian leaders and businessmen with no ties to Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.
Despite efforts to reconcile the Fatah-Hamas split, including by figures such as Nasser Alkidwa, a former senior Palestinian Authority official, the recent incidents indicate that the rift between the two factions remains deep. Alkidwa believes that Hamas is wary of the Palestinian Authority's attempts to infiltrate Gaza and seize control, leading to increased tensions and a risk of civil conflict.
The situation is complex and fluid, with implications not only for the Palestinian territories but also for regional stability. Efforts to resolve the conflict and establish a stable governance structure in Gaza will require careful consideration and international cooperation.