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Fatah Warns al-Qudwa against Fielding Separate List in Palestinian Elections

Palestinian parliamentary elections are set for May 22 amid discord in the Fatah movement. (AFP)
Palestinian parliamentary elections are set for May 22 amid discord in the Fatah movement. (AFP)
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Fatah Warns al-Qudwa against Fielding Separate List in Palestinian Elections

Palestinian parliamentary elections are set for May 22 amid discord in the Fatah movement. (AFP)
Palestinian parliamentary elections are set for May 22 amid discord in the Fatah movement. (AFP)

Fatah warned its Central Committee member Nasser al-Qudwa against fielding a separate list in the upcoming legislative elections to compete against the movement.

Secretary of the Fatah Central Committee Jibril Rajoub threatened to dismiss Qudwa from his post if he went forward with the move.

The committee is expected to discuss the issue during a meeting chaired by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday.

Rajoub’s threat followed a tweet by committee member Hussein al-Sheikh, in which he affirmed that Fatah movement would submit a unified list for the polls.

In a Facebook post, Sheikh stressed that Fatah aims to consolidate democracy, maintain the national liberation project and protect national unity.

Prominent former and current officials in Fatah are preparing new electoral lists that could test the movement's unity and strength.

This could also pose a new challenge that might affect the presidential elections.

Qudwa, 67, a nephew of former Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) chairman Yasser Arafat, had announced the establishment of the Palestinian National Democratic Forum that would run in the elections, stressing that he was trying to return Fatah back on the right path.

He said he was opposed to the understanding reached between Fatah and Hamas, explaining that it will not help in resolving the internal division.

He also said he was opposed to prominent imprisoned Fatah member Marwan Barghouti’s running in the elections.

Member of the Fatah Revolutionary Council Hatem Abdel Qader told Asharq Al-Awsat that Barghouti is aware of the importance of the legislative elections.

Abdel Qader, who is close to Barghouti, confirmed that the detainee will run in the presidential elections, not the parliamentary polls, which are scheduled for May 22.

Sacked prominent Fatah member Mohammed Dahlan had also announced he would field a separate list.

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German Foreign Ministry Backs Kurdish Dialogue with Damascus

German Ambassador Tobias Tunkel with the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces in Al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria. (SDF)
German Ambassador Tobias Tunkel with the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces in Al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria. (SDF)
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German Foreign Ministry Backs Kurdish Dialogue with Damascus

German Ambassador Tobias Tunkel with the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces in Al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria. (SDF)
German Ambassador Tobias Tunkel with the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces in Al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria. (SDF)

Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the German Foreign Ministry Tobias Tunkel said that protecting the rights and interests of Syrian Kurds can be best achieved through an internal dialogue with Damascus.

His statement followed a recent meeting between Tunkel and Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), along with officials from the Kurdish Autonomous Administration in Al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria.

In a tweet on the X platform on Monday, Tunkel shared a photo of his meeting with Abdi. He indicated that they discussed pressing issues that require resolution through direct communication between the SDF leadership and Damascus’ military operations command.

The meeting is part of broader international efforts to stabilize the region, prevent a devastating war involving regional powers, and promote internal Syrian dialogue. The aim is to ensure the inclusion of all parties, social groups, and political forces to achieve security, stability, economic prosperity, and reconstruction.

Abdi stressed the need for all Syrians, regardless of their backgrounds, to have a role in governing their country.

He praised Germany’s support for the SDF, stating on his X account: “Germany’s support for the Syrian people in building their state on the principles of freedom, democracy, and equality, while ensuring the inclusion of all components in governance, is deeply welcomed and appreciated.”

He also commended Germany’s contribution to the international coalition’s operations against ISIS, stressing: “We highly value Germany’s role in supporting our forces in combating terrorism and extremism, which helps pave the way for a brighter future for all Syrians.”

This visit marks the second official engagement by a Western diplomat this week, following the visit of former US Ambassador Robert Ford and his meeting with SDF leaders.

Discussions are focused on achieving a political resolution and determining the future of the SDF, which is a coalition of Arab and Kurdish forces, primarily the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG). The YPG receives military and logistical support from a US-led international coalition and is considered a vital ally in the fight against ISIS by Washington, though Türkiye regards it as a national security threat.

SDF head of Public Relations Sihanouk Dibo described the recent visits by US, German, and French delegations as encouraging. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he emphasized that the Autonomous Administration values any initiative that supports resolving the Kurdish issue in Syria, which he views as fundamental to addressing regional crises and ensuring stability.

“Germany’s supportive role complements Washington’s exceptional efforts, including the success of General Mazloum Abdi’s initiative and his meeting with (former President of the Kurdistan Region) President Masoud Barzani. This is a significant and positive step,” he added.

Dibo also highlighted the importance of dialogue between Damascus and the SDF leadership to restore Syrian sovereignty and resolve disputes. He called for “the formation of specialized and technical committees to address all issues and differences.”

In a related development, the Autonomous Administration called on the Syrian people, the international community, and humanitarian organizations to take action to curb Turkish aggression and stop attacks by its affiliated factions on Tishrin Dam.

In a statement published on its official platforms, it urged the deployment of international forces to protect the dam, warning of catastrophic consequences should it collapse, including the flooding of large populated areas and the destruction of numerous villages along the riverbanks.