Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh expressed a desire for Hamas to become a part of a P.A.-led governing coalition, albeit in a subordinate role. Shtayyeh emphasized the need for Palestinian unity and the potential for dialogue if Hamas aligns with the political platform of the PLO and its methods of struggle.
Shtayyeh remarked on the improbability of Israel’s objective to completely eradicate Hamas, citing the organization’s presence not only in Gaza but also in Lebanon, Qatar, and the West Bank. He highlighted the widespread influence of Hamas beyond Gaza’s borders.
During an interview with Bloomberg, Shtayyeh declined to denounce Hamas for the attack on October 7 that resulted in over 1,200 casualties in Israel. He pointed out the long-standing conflict and noted the absence of Israeli condemnation of actions against Palestinians by Israeli citizens.
In another interview with CNN, Shtayyeh avoided condemning Hamas’ actions, focusing instead on moving forward from past events. He also mentioned recent discussions with U.S. officials in Ramallah about post-war plans in Gaza, agreeing on the importance of preventing Israeli occupation or territorial reduction of Gaza.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has previously stated the necessity of transitioning Gaza’s control to the Palestinian Authority, advocating for a unified governance of Gaza and the West Bank by the P.A. Similarly, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby has emphasized the need for Palestinian leadership that is representative and capable of effective governance, especially in post-conflict scenarios in Gaza.
Recent surveys indicate a strong Palestinian preference for a government that includes or is led by Hamas. Only a small percentage support exclusive control by Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah faction.
The U.S. embassy in Jerusalem reiterated that the future leadership of the Palestinians is a decision for the Palestinian people themselves. The embassy spokesperson underscored the importance of Palestinian voices in shaping post-crisis governance in Gaza and advocated for a negotiated two-state solution. They emphasized the need to counter Hamas not just militarily, but also by presenting a viable alternative vision for the future.
Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S., won a significant majority in the Palestinian parliament in the January 2006 elections and is widely believed to win again if new elections are held.
