Tensions flare between Hamas, Fatah less than a month after Palestinian unity talks

Tensions have flared between Hamas and Fatah less than a month after Palestinian unity talks in Cairo. Fatah rejected Hamas's claims that the PA is failing Gaza, accusing Hamas of pressuring aid workers. Hamas accused PA security forces of arresting released prisoners in the West Bank.

Tensions have flared between Fatah and Hamas less than a month after the two factions met in Cairo for Palestinian unity talks. On Monday, Fatah rejected Hamas's claims that the Palestinian Authority was failing Gaza, describing them as part of a disinformation campaign. Fatah accused Hamas of summoning Palestinian Labor Ministry staff and aid workers and pressuring them to sign pledges preventing them from carrying out their duties. Hamas, in turn, accused PA security forces of arresting released prisoners, activists, and civilians in a campaign across the West Bank, naming six individuals. The reported disruptions to humanitarian work come as winter approaches, with temperatures expected to fall to 11°C this week. Five Palestinians, including children, have died after a sand embankment collapsed onto tents in Deir al-Balah following heavy rainfall. Prof. Kobi Michael of the Institute for National Security Studies described the friction as troubling, saying Hamas is blocking PA cooperation with international aid organizations to weaken Fatah and maintain its own survival.