(Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Pinhas Inbari - On March 13, 2018, Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah's convoy entered Gaza to inaugurate a water purification plant and an explosive device was detonated against the convoy. Also in the procession was senior Palestinian security official Majid Faraj, considered by some to be Mahmoud Abbas' successor. It is obvious why Faraj was targeted. He just returned from a prolonged medical visit to the U.S., but his trip has clear political implications. Hamas is concerned that Faraj is planning with the Americans to push them out of Gaza. Now he will understand that both Fatah and Hamas are opposed to his candidacy to become Abbas' heir, and the succession struggle has moved onto violent lines. It's very possible that the next attack on him will occur in Ramallah rather than in Gaza. With regard to internal Palestinian "reconciliation," it never existed, nor will it. It's fake news from start to finish. The writer is a veteran Arab affairs correspondent for Israel Radio.
2018-03-14 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive