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Source: http://jewishweek.timesofisrael.com/not-so-fast-on-fatah-hamas-unity/
Not So Fast on Fatah-Hamas Unity
(New York Jewish Week) Joshua Mitnick - Hamas and Fatah are still far from resolving their most fundamental disagreements blocking a unity deal. Hillel Frisch, a political science professor and an expert on Palestinian politics at Bar-Ilan University, said the concession by Hamas to dismantle the quasi-governmental committee it established in March to boost its control in Gaza reflects its weakened position in recent years. "The economic crunch is amazing. Hamas is down to its core supporters. Hamas can't get more than 2,000 to 3,000 people in Gaza to come to its rallies." In the past, the group's rallies have drawn tens of thousands of people. The two rival Palestinian factions are still far from agreement on a range of issues, such as: how to merge their respective security forces; how to integrate Hamas into the Palestine Liberation Organization; how to organize elections; who will control Gaza's borders; and who will take responsibility for Gaza's reconstruction. Few analysts believe that Abbas and Fatah really want to come into Gaza and bear the burden of the humanitarian, economic and infrastructure disarray. At the same time, the PA wouldn't be truly in charge anyway. Hamas isn't expected to relinquish its control over Gaza to their rivals so quickly.