Israeli authorities released positive reports on major efforts being exerted to reach Qatari-mediated agreements with the Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip.
At the same time, Israeli military reports predicted an escalation in the coastal enclave in the near future, perhaps even as early as the US presidential elections on Tuesday.
They suggested that the upcoming anniversary of the assassination of commander in the “Islamic Jihad” Baha Abu al-Ata may be spark an escalation. Abu al-Ata who was killed by Israel in a targeted assassination on November 12, 2019.
Moreover, a military source said Palestinians are frustrated at Israel’s slow pace in easing the siege on the Gaza Strip and its reluctance to progress towards new understandings.
Hama leaders complained to Qatar and Egypt over Israel’s failure to lift many restrictions and its holding up of Gaza infrastructure projects.
According to Israelis, these complaints are usually followed by security developments, such as rockets fired at Israeli towns.
They warned Hamas and the Islamic Jihad of the consequences of an escalation.
The Jihad considered these army leaks as Israeli threats aimed not only at stirring up tension but also to disrupt internal Palestinian reconciliation efforts.
Member of the Jihad political bureau Mohammed al-Hindi warned against “major Arab and foreign pressure” aimed at delaying the reconciliation.
He called on the Fatah movement to immediately hold elections that would reorganize Palestinian institutions.
“The popular resistance will dominate the next phase,” he stressed, highlighting the battle of will and faith led by the prisoner Maher al-Akhras, who has been on hunger strike since July.
The detainee will win because the entire Palestinian population is behind him, he declared.
Secretary General of Fatah's Central Committee Jibril Rajoub affirmed that the Palestinians are no longer divided and are working to achieve real national unity through ongoing dialogue with Hamas and other factions.
