Palestinian Authority Opposes Lifting the Gaza Blockade

Azzam al-Ahmed, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, was quoted over the weekend telling the German News Agency (DPA) that he was opposed to the lifting of the blockade on the Gaza Strip until Hamas agrees to end their coup against Fatah-led government.

al-Ahmed also explained that there was no humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip “I confidently say that Gaza does not need humanitarian or food supplies because the PA (Palestinian Authority) is securing all of this. The PA sends 200 trucks into Gaza, not through Rafah but through other crossings.” The othe crossings al-Ahmed referred to are on the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip.

The Palestinian Authority is also concerned by Turkey’s increasing support for Hamas, the terrorist group which staged a coup against the PA and successfully holds the West Bank territory. Officials from the Palestinian Authority are afraid to enter the Gaza Strip, as many have been murdered by Hamas — some along with their families.

On Monday, a PA official in Ramallah explained that the Palestinian Authority was unhappy with Turkey’s coddling of Hamas, saying “Turkey’s policy is emboldening Hamas and undermining the Palestinian Authority.”

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas visited Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Monday to warn him against supporting Hamas. Erdrogan instead offered to help negotiate a peace settlement between Fatah and Hamas. Playing from a weak hand, Abbas was forced to accept Erdogan’s offer.