Saudi King Abdullah (center) with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (left) and Ismail Hanaiya of the Hamas (right). Mr Abbas was elected on a Fatah ticket
Even as the emergency government formed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is considered legitimate by world nations, the mood in the gulf isn’t very comfortable. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) spearheaded by the Saudis, have refused to commit financial support to the West Bank based cabinet in a clear political move. Analysts and sources from Palestine believe that the gulf nations do not want to rally behind one of the two partners (Fatah and Hamas) of Palestine, as the government now having international sanction, is predominantly Fatah.
In June 2007, a civil war broke out. Intense fighting between Fatah and the Hamas resulted in the entire Gaza strip coming under Hamas domination. At West Bank, Fatah triumphed. An emergency government formed then by the Palestinian President comprised only of Fatah members and Hamas ministers were shown the door, intentionally. Since that time, these two rebel political-cum-militant outfits have consolidated positions in their respective territories. While Hamas have suffered international and diplomatic isolation, the Fatah cabinet has won recognition worldwide.
West Bank is currently under Fatah while Hamas controls Gaza
Financially, the Palestinian government has been running under alarming deficits since the fall of the previous century. Post 2002, the government has managed to finance these revenue gaps using international funds. The European Union, the United States and the GCC have been the prime contributors. However, this time the gulf nations have not pronounced any explicit commitments, primarily to avoid disappointing the Hamas. For some time now, Saudi Arabia has played an important role in all negotiations in the troubled region and have also been instrumental in brokering several deals, the latest being one in Palestine before the fateful civil war broke out. In such a scenario, experts believe, it will not augur well for the royal kingdom to support one of the partners in the region, when there is still no complete solution in sight and when the Hamas, without any doubt, enjoy popular support.
The foreign policy of a nation is seldom divorced from its regional compulsions. In fact, it continues to remain at its heart.
Hamas cannot be isolated. It enjoys significant support. Doesn’t it?
Though the US and the EU have pledged between $700 million and $800 million, this revenue back off by the Arab nations has brought disappointment for the Palestinian government, which cant do much either. With the Tony Blair co-chaired International Donors Conference (IDC) scheduled too close, for 17th Dec, no progress is expected in the Arab stance. For the moment, Palestine has no access to Arab finance.
News Source:The Independent
