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Othmani Rejects 'Betrayal' Accusations Following Deal with Israel

Morocco's Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani poses a picture during an interview with Reuters in Rabat, Morocco November 17, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed ElJechtimi
Morocco's Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani poses a picture during an interview with Reuters in Rabat, Morocco November 17, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed ElJechtimi
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Othmani Rejects 'Betrayal' Accusations Following Deal with Israel

Morocco's Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani poses a picture during an interview with Reuters in Rabat, Morocco November 17, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed ElJechtimi
Morocco's Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani poses a picture during an interview with Reuters in Rabat, Morocco November 17, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed ElJechtimi

Morocco’s Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani has denounced statements accusing him of “betraying” the Palestinian cause, after Morocco signed the joint declaration with the US and Israel on Dec. 22.

Speaking during a virtual meeting with the Justice and Development Party, Othmani said that he accepts the criticism, however, rejects any questioning of the party's position and that of Morocco, regarding the Palestinian cause.

He asserted that there are no compromises when it comes to the Palestinian cause, as well as the Sahara issue.

While assuming his responsibility in formalizing normalization with Israel, Othmani brushed off all allegations accusing the party and Morocco of “betraying” the Palestinians.

“I am surprised by those who attack the party, accusing it of changing its position. We reject the attacks and any questioning of the party's position and Morocco's position regarding the struggle of the Palestinian people,” he stressed.

He also stressed that he still rejects the violations committed by the occupation against Palestinians and the settlements activities, stressing support to the demands of the Palestinians’ right to return to their country.

Commenting on the deal to resume ties with Israel, Othmani said that the foreign policy of Morocco is determined by the King.

“As head of the government, I have responsibilities. What I did (signing the Declaration of December 22) was as head of the Moroccan government. As Abdelilah Benkirane said, the second personality of the State cannot contradict the first personality of the State», Othmani said.

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Sources to Asharq Al-Awsat: Delays in Reaching Sinwar Cost Three Key Negotiation Chances

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar (AFP)
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar (AFP)
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Sources to Asharq Al-Awsat: Delays in Reaching Sinwar Cost Three Key Negotiation Chances

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar (AFP)
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar (AFP)

Sources within Hamas told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Palestinian group’s political leader, Yahya Sinwar, recently sent a message to mediators through the movement’s leadership.

The message reaffirmed Hamas’ demands, including Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction of the area, lifting the blockade, the return of displaced people without obstacles, and a dignified prisoner exchange deal.

The sources, who requested anonymity, stressed that Sinwar is kept informed about events within and outside Hamas, though there have been some delays in decisions and messages.

However, sources familiar with the negotiations said these delays led to “at least three missed opportunities for a final agreement.”

Since late August, negotiations mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar between Hamas and Israel have largely stalled, with both sides accusing each other of changing the terms of the proposed ceasefire and prisoner exchange.

Sinwar’s Communication Style

Hamas insiders clarified that Sinwar’s communication with the group’s leadership was never fully cut off but has been delayed for security reasons. Sinwar follows a specific strategy, deciding when and how to communicate with mediators on his own terms.

Other sources pointed out that difficulties in reaching Sinwar and Hamas' military wing had previously disrupted negotiation efforts.

One such case occurred in December when Israel agreed to most terms of a new proposal. However, delays in Hamas’ response, due to issues in contacting Sinwar and other leaders, resulted in a “missed opportunity.”

These delays frustrated mediators, occasionally leading Israel to backtrack on agreements.

In August, senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan admitted there were “some communication difficulties” due to the conflict with Israel but assured that contact remained and that Hamas was managing its affairs effectively.

Hamdan also mentioned that leadership arrangements with Sinwar were progressing, although they might take time due to security concerns.

Sinwar was appointed as Hamas leader on August 6, following the assassination of the former leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Recently, Sinwar has remained out of the public eye, with no messages sent on the first anniversary of the October 2023 “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation.

Israeli reports have speculated that Sinwar was killed, citing his lack of communication in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Axios reported that an Israeli official confirmed Sinwar had resumed contact with the Hamas leadership in Qatar, but it’s unclear whether the discussions involve military or truce matters.

Despite a large Israeli operation in the city of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip over the past three months, Sinwar has avoided capture.

Sources have said that only a few people know his whereabouts, and he has been issuing orders during the conflict, sending instructions every few weeks, often via handwritten or typed messages delivered through secure channels.

Hamas sources outside Gaza added that Sinwar had sent written and audio messages to mediators at least twice during critical points in the negotiations.