What Happened: Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has openly opposed a Qatari-backed aid package for the Gaza Strip, but Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel is reportedly preparing to tell Abbas that he must cooperate with the plan or face isolation in future deals, Haaretz reported Oct. 9.
Why It Matters: Egypt has traditionally been a major broker between Israel and the Palestinian factions, often acting as a champion for Palestinian security and rights. However, Egypt has struggled to bridge the divide between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, which reduces the viability of a two-state deal with Israel.
Background: The United Nations brokered a humanitarian deal in September in an effort to prevent a violent escalation in the Gaza Strip or even war between Hamas and Israel. However, the decision was made without the Palestinian's Authority's input, undercutting its authority.
Read More:
- Israel, Palestinian Territories: Conflict Intensifies in the Gaza Strip (July 20, 2018)
- What's at Stake as the U.S. Considers Recognizing Israel's Claim to the Golan Heights (June 26, 2018)
- Gaza Looks Out Onto a Changing Middle East (May 16, 2018)
- Hamas and Fatah Sing the Same Old Song (Oct. 3, 2017)
