The “National Conference for Palestine” in Qatar has faced condemnation from the Palestinian Authority, which claims it undermines the PLO. Although participants aimed to build a more inclusive Palestinian leadership, the event revealed deep divisions and affiliations to Hamas, further complicating the Palestinian political landscape. Many view the conference as a betrayal, emphasizing tensions stemming from the Oslo Accords.
The Palestinian Authority has expressed outrage over the recent “National Conference for Palestine” hosted by Qatar, deeming it an attempt to undermine the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Convened in mid-February, the conference claimed to initiate a rebuilding of the PLO based on inclusive democratic foundations while advocating for a unified Palestinian leadership. However, the event was met with sharp political criticism from the Palestinian Authority, which accused it of lacking legitimacy and aligning with specific Palestinian factions rather than representing broader interests.
Critics highlighted that the conference appeared to distance itself from Hamas, which has a significant presence in Qatar. Instead of Hamas figures, it featured nonpartisan representatives like Mustafa Barghouti and members affiliated with the more militant sect of Fatah, such as Moein Al-Taher and Fakhri Al-Barghouthi. Despite this, connections to Hamas were evident, as individuals linked to Hamas, such as Adnan Hmeidan and Tarek Hammoud, participated, and Hamas-affiliated media outlets streamed the event.
Support for terrorism was overtly displayed during the conference, which included tributes to various imprisoned Palestinian terrorists. Participants applauded them and expressed wishes for their release. Additionally, the organizers criticized the current PLO leadership, asserting that it had become marginalized since the Oslo Accords while positioning Hamas as a necessary component of a reformed PLO, advocating for the representation of all major Palestinian political forces.
The conference organizers emphasized their commitment to the Palestinian people’s right to resist and declared that negotiations would be meaningless until the occupation was defeated. While framing the event as a move towards democratically reforming the PLO, many within the Palestinian Authority interpreted it as a betrayal, leading to public denouncements and the alleged barring of participants from attending the conference by PA authorities.
In summary, the “National Conference for Palestine” has ignited significant backlash from the Palestinian Authority, which views it as a challenge to the legitimacy of the PLO amidst calls for reform. While organizers sought to promote unity among Palestinian factions, the event’s affiliations and support for past acts of violence have fueled further division. The prevailing sentiment among PA supporters is one of betrayal, suggesting ongoing tensions within Palestinian political dynamics.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
