In yet another example of hyperbole, a Pakistani military officer has ignited a controversy and invited ridicule by claiming that Fatah-1 missiles successfully struck the “Rajouri Airbase” and “Mamun Airbase” in India, however, no such airbases exist in fact. Both locations cited in the interview, a video clip of which has gone viral on social media, do not exist in fact. There are no operational Indian Air Force airbases in Rajouri and Maoon, triggering widespread ridicule and fact-checks on social media platforms.&nbsp;Tensions escalated sharply between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack last year. When India launched precision strikes on terror infrastructure and installations in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, Islamabad launched a series of drone and missile attacks at Indian cities and defence infrastructure.Multiple incursions into Indian airspace were reported across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat under Pakistan's Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-drawing-up-plans-to-counter-high-intensity-us-strikes-if-war-resumes-1779215850724">Iran drawing up plans to counter high-intensity US strikes if war resumes</a>&nbsp;On May 10, 2025, the Pakistani military had launched the Fatah-1 guided artillery <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-drawing-up-plans-to-counter-high-intensity-us-strikes-if-war-resumes-1779215850724">rocket,</a> but it was successfully intercepted and destroyed mid-air by India’s air defence network over Sirsa, Haryana.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Another Lahori Churan Pakistan army officer claimed that they hit Rajouri &amp; Mamun airbase 😂 No such airbases exist. <a href="https://t.co/rpgzwOaaCG">pic.twitter.com/rpgzwOaaCG</a>&mdash; War &amp; Gore (@Goreunit) <a href="https://twitter.com/Goreunit/status/2056590342133354948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the video, a Pakistani military officer boasts that their missile strikes on May 10 successfully hit two Indian airbases. But the airbases he mentioned simply don’t exist.“We were assigned two targets, Rajouri Airbase and Mamun Airbase, and we successfully engaged them,” the office said in the interview.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-on-iranian-exchange-houses-front-companies-and-shadow-fleet-vessels-1779206969619">US imposes fresh sanctions on Iranian exchange houses, front companies and shadow fleet vessels</a>&nbsp;Rajouri is a district in Jammu and Kashmir, but it does not have sn operational Air Force base. Similarly, Mamun is a military cantonment in Pathankot, Punjab, and does not have an airbase at all.The military officer, identified as Captain Muneeb Zamal, said that the presence of civilians during the missile launch acted as a “confidence booster” during the operation.Several social media users reacted to the clip and ridiculed it.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/standard-chartered-plans-to-cut-over-7000-jobs-in-ai-push-will-replace-lower-value-human-capital-1779200778582">Standard Chartered plans to cut over 7,000 jobs in AI push, will replace ‘lower-value human capital’</a>&nbsp;One X user wrote, “Archaeologists, cartographers, Google maps, and the Indian Air Force have launched a joint mission to locate legendary “Rajouri airbase and Mamun airbases.” Another sarcastic post read. “Fateh-1 hits Rajouri and Mamun airbases so hard that they cease to even exist! Next Target: Atlantis?”Missile debris was later found in agricultural fields in Sirsa, Haryana; Barmer, Rajasthan; and Jalandhar, Punjab.In September 2025, debris suspected to be from a Fatah-1 missile was fished out of Srinagar’s Dal Lake.

India launched precision strikes on terror infrastructure under Operation Sindoor, after which Islamabad launched drones and missiles at Indian cities and defence infrastructure. Multiple incursions into Indian airspace were reported across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

In yet another example of hyperbole, a Pakistani military officer has ignited a controversy and invited ridicule by claiming that Fatah-1 missiles successfully struck the “Rajouri Airbase” and “Mamun Airbase” in India, however, no such airbases exist in fact. Both locations cited in the interview, a video clip of which has gone viral on social media, do not exist in fact. There are no operational Indian Air Force airbases in Rajouri and Maoon, triggering widespread ridicule and fact-checks on social media platforms. Tensions escalated sharply between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack last year. When India launched precision strikes on terror infrastructure and installations in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, Islamabad launched a series of drone and missile attacks at Indian cities and defence infrastructure. Multiple incursions into Indian airspace were reported across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat under Pakistan's Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos. Also Read: Iran drawing up plans to counter high-intensity US strikes if war resumes On May 10, 2025, the Pakistani military had launched the Fatah-1 guided artillery rocket, but it was successfully intercepted and destroyed mid-air by India’s air defence network over Sirsa, Haryana.

India launched precision strikes on terror infrastructure under Operation Sindoor, after which Islamabad launched drones and missiles at Indian cities and defence infrastructure. Multiple incursions into Indian airspace were reported across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Pakistani officer claims to have hit 2 non-existent airbases in India with Fatah-1 missile

More than 2,500 members of Fatah have gathered in the Palestinian territories for a major party meeting focused on reshaping the movement’s leadership. The event includes elections for Fatah’s powerful central committee — the first such vote involving the group’s top leadership in nearly a decade. The meeting comes at a critical time for Palestinian politics, with growing pressure for internal reforms, generational change, and renewed political direction amid ongoing regional tensions.


Fatah Holds First Major Leadership Elections in 10 Years Amid Gaza Political Tensions 

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza cast their votes in municipal and village elections on Saturday morning for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023, and the first poll of any kind to be held in Gaza since 2006. The vote in the West Bank will determine the makeup of the local councils overseeing water, roads and electricity. Turnout may reflect the level of public trust in a broader system led by the Palestinian Authority’s ageing leaders, who haven’t held legislative or political elections in decades. The vote in Deir al-Balah is largely symbolic as one of the few areas in the enclave not to have experienced an Israeli ground invasion.<h2>Who are the candidates, and how many registered voters are there?</h2>Gaza remains largely under Hamas control, while the West Bank is under the control of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) through the Palestinian Authority led by 90-year-old Mahmoud Abbas. Hamas won the election in Gaza in 2006, but Fatah maintained control and refused to cede to Hamas, leading to a brief but violent civil war also known as the Battle of Gaza and the ousting of Fatah from Gaza.&nbsp;In 2026, Hamas was not allowed to participate in the elections in Gaza, and several other factions have boycotted the election as it demanded the recognition of the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, which governs part of the Occupied West Bank that is not under the direct control of the Israeli occupation forces. Reuters report claims that eventhough Hamas is not on the ballot in Deir al-Balah, a slate of candidates was fielded who were aligned with it.&nbsp;In the West Bank, most of the electoral lists are dominated by Fatah, a secular nationalist front and a major segment of the PLO. While some are running as independents. In many West Bank cities, including Nablus and Ramallah, only one list was submitted, meaning Fatah automatically wins. However, according to the polling from the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research, Hamas remains the most popular front in both the West Bank and the Gaza. According to a report by Deutsche Welle, which cites data from the Ramallah-based Central Elections Commission, there are approximately 1.5 million voters in the West Bank, while there are 70,000 in Gaza.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-crisis-un-infections-pests-shelter-shortage-1776950108022">Gaza health crisis worsens as infections triple in displacement camps: UN</a><h2>UN deems the election as a "credible process"</h2>The United Nations has officially described the ongoing Palestinian local elections as a "credible process." UN coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov said, "Saturday's elections represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally challenging period." Fareed Taamallah, a spokesperson of the election commission, said the main idea is to link the West Bank and Gaza under one political umbrella.UN formally recognises the Israeli Military presence in Palestinian territory as “belligerent occupation”. It recognises that the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and Gaza are “occupied” and Israel is the occupying power and its military is the occupying force.&nbsp;

Palestinians cast ballots in the Gaza Strip for the first time since 2006 and in the West Bank for the first time since the war in 2023, with Hamas being banned and Fatah dominating much of the electorate list.

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza cast their votes in municipal and village elections on Saturday morning for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023, and the first poll of any kind to be held in Gaza since 2006. The vote in the West Bank will determine the makeup of the local councils overseeing water, roads and electricity. Turnout may reflect the level of public trust in a broader system led by the Palestinian Authority’s ageing leaders, who haven’t held legislative or political elections in decades. The vote in Deir al-Balah is largely symbolic as one of the few areas in the enclave not to have experienced an Israeli ground invasion. Who are the candidates, and how many registered voters are there? Gaza remains largely under Hamas control, while the West Bank is under the control of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) through the Palestinian Authority led by 90-year-old Mahmoud Abbas. Hamas won the election in Gaza in 2006, but Fatah maintained control and refused to cede to Hamas, leading to a brief but violent civil war also known as the Battle of Gaza and the ousting of Fatah from Gaza. In 2026, Hamas was not allowed to participate in the elections in Gaza, and several other factions have boycotted the election as it demanded the recognition of the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, which governs part of the Occupied West Bank that is not under the direct control of the Israeli occupation forces. Reuters report claims that eventhough Hamas is not on the ballot in Deir al-Balah, a slate of candidates was fielded who were aligned with it. In the West Bank, most of the electoral lists are dominated by Fatah, a secular nationalist front and a major segment of the PLO. While some are running as independents. In many West Bank cities, including Nablus and Ramallah, only one list was submitted, meaning Fatah automatically wins. However, according to the polling from the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research, Hamas remains the most popular front in both the West Bank and the Gaza. According to a report by Deutsche Welle, which cites data from the Ramallah-based Central Elections Commission, there are approximately 1.5 million voters in the West Bank, while there are 70,000 in Gaza. Also Read: Gaza health crisis worsens as infections triple in displacement camps: UN UN deems the election as a "credible process" The United Nations has officially described the ongoing Palestinian local elections as a "credible process." UN coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov said, "Saturday's elections represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally challenging period." Fareed Taamallah, a spokesperson of the election commission, said the main idea is to link the West Bank and Gaza under one political umbrella. UN formally recognises the Israeli Military presence in Palestinian territory as “belligerent occupation”. It recognises that the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and Gaza are “occupied” and Israel is the occupying power and its military is the occupying force.

Palestinians cast ballots in the Gaza Strip for the first time since 2006 and in the West Bank for the first time since the war in 2023, with Hamas being banned and Fatah dominating much of the electorate list.

Palestinians vote in West Bank for first time since 2023, Gaza since 2006

Tensions between India and Pakistan have worsened after Pakistan launched an attack on Jammu &amp; Kashmir early on Saturday (10 May).
<h2>Pakistan claims Indian strike on major airbases</h2>
Pakistan said that three of its airbases, Nur Khan Military Airbase in Rawalpindi, Murid in Chakwal, and Rafiqui in Shorkot, Jhang district, were hit by missile strikes in the early hours of Saturday. India has not officially responded to the claims.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pak-war-can-pakistan-use-f-16s-against-india-operation-sindoor-pakistan-drone-attack-pahalgam-terror-attack-9050088" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Indo-Pak War: Can Pakistan use F-16s against India? Here&rsquo;s what the rules say</a>
<h2>Reports of Pakistani missile intercepted in Haryana</h2>
At the same time, social media saw unverified reports of a missile being intercepted over Haryana&rsquo;s Sirsa. The projectile could have been a Fatah-II missile fired by Pakistan. While no official confirmation has been given, the reports have drawn public attention to the Fatah-II system.
<h2>What is the Fatah-II missile?</h2>
The Fatah-II is a guided artillery rocket developed by Pakistan. It was first tested by the Pakistan Army in December 2021 and is seen as an improved version of the earlier Fatah-I system.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-war-operation-sindoor-pakistan-eyes-in-the-sky-what-is-awacs-airborne-warning-and-control-systems-pak-drone-attack-9049701" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Indo-Pak War: What are AWACS aircraft? How many&nbsp;of these &lsquo;eyes in the sky&rsquo; are&nbsp;left&nbsp;with&nbsp;Pakistan?</a>
With a range of around 250 to 400 kilometres, the missile is designed to hit military targets such as radar stations and supply centres. It carries conventional warheads and is fitted with a terminal guidance system that helps steer it in the final stage of flight.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pak-war-how-us-schooled-pakistan-after-india-shot-down-a-pakistani-f-16-after-2019-balakot-strike-operation-sindoor-9053104" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Indo-Pak War | &lsquo;Concerning, inconsistent&rsquo;: How US schooled Pakistan after India shot down a Pakistani F-16 after 2019&nbsp;Balakot&nbsp;strike</a>
The Fatah-II uses a combination of inertial and satellite navigation to stay on course. Its trajectory is flatter than usual, making it harder to detect or stop using air defence systems. The missile is launched from a mobile system, making it easier to deploy in different locations and terrains.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indo-pak-war-operation-sindoor-trump-g7-saudi-arabia-pahalgam-terror-attack-world-reacts-to-india-pakistan-war-9053662" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Indo-Pak war: Trump calls for 'quick end', G7 'condemn Pahalgam attack' | World reacts to sharp escalation between India &amp; Pakistan</a>

Pakistan said that three of its airbases, Nur Khan Military Airbase in Rawalpindi, Murid in Chakwal, and Rafiqui in Shorkot, Jhang district, were hit by missile strikes in the early hours of Saturday. India news

Tensions between India and Pakistan have worsened after Pakistan launched an attack on Jammu & Kashmir early on Saturday (10 May). Pakistan claims Indian strike on major airbases Pakistan said that three of its airbases, Nur Khan Military Airbase in Rawalpindi, Murid in Chakwal, and Rafiqui in Shorkot, Jhang district, were hit by missile strikes in the early hours of Saturday. India has not officially responded to the claims. Also read: Indo-Pak War: Can Pakistan use F-16s against India? Here’s what the rules say Reports of Pakistani missile intercepted in Haryana At the same time, social media saw unverified reports of a missile being intercepted over Haryana’s Sirsa. The projectile could have been a Fatah-II missile fired by Pakistan. While no official confirmation has been given, the reports have drawn public attention to the Fatah-II system. What is the Fatah-II missile? The Fatah-II is a guided artillery rocket developed by Pakistan. It was first tested by the Pakistan Army in December 2021 and is seen as an improved version of the earlier Fatah-I system. Also read: Indo-Pak War: What are AWACS aircraft? How many of these ‘eyes in the sky’ are left with Pakistan? With a range of around 250 to 400 kilometres, the missile is designed to hit military targets such as radar stations and supply centres. It carries conventional warheads and is fitted with a terminal guidance system that helps steer it in the final stage of flight. Also read: Indo-Pak War | ‘Concerning, inconsistent’: How US schooled Pakistan after India shot down a Pakistani F-16 after 2019 Balakot strike The Fatah-II uses a combination of inertial and satellite navigation to stay on course. Its trajectory is flatter than usual, making it harder to detect or stop using air defence systems. The missile is launched from a mobile system, making it easier to deploy in different locations and terrains. Also read: Indo-Pak war: Trump calls for 'quick end', G7 'condemn Pahalgam attack' | World reacts to sharp escalation between India & Pakistan

Indo-Pak war: What is the Fatah-II missile? Pakistan’s precision missile reportedly shot down by India

Hamas, Fatah and 12 other Palestinian factions Tuesday signed a landmark Chinese-brokered unification pact. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, "the Beijing declaration is dedicated to the great reconciliation and unity of all 14 factions." Watch in for more details!

Hamas, Fatah, other Palestinian groups sign 'unity' agreement

China said Tuesday that rival Palestinian groups Hamas and Fatah met in Beijing recently for "in-depth and candid talks on promoting intra-Palestinian reconciliation". Watch in for more details!

China facilities reconciliation talks between Hamas and Fatah

Iran hit back at the UK, France, and Germany for jointly condemning its recent missile advances, specifically the unveiling of the Fattah-2 ballistic missile, which Tehran says is "hypersonic."&nbsp;

In a joint statement, the E3 countries expressed concern and said, "Iran continues to develop its missile programme despite repeated international calls to halt it, and after years of disregarding UN restrictions."

The Fattah-2, equipped with an advanced warhead and hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV), was showcased at the Ashura Aerospace Science and Technology University in Tehran on November 19.

Fattah, translating to "conquer" in Farsi, represents an advanced iteration of its initial domestically produced hypersonic ballistic missile, also named "Fattah".

The new version boasts several notable features. It's HGV warhead is capable of maneuvering and gliding at incredibly high speeds, capable of evading air defence systems.

Propelled by a liquid-fuel rocket propellant, the precision-guided two-stage missile exhibits a striking range of 1500 kilometres. It also achieves a velocity of Mach 15, equating to 15 times the speed of sound, equivalent to 18522 kilometres per hour, as per reports.&nbsp;

<h2>UN sanctions against Iran lifted&nbsp;</h2>

The E3 countries highlighted the global and regional security threat posed by Iran's ballistic missile program, especially following the expiration of UN sanctions on Iran's missile programme in October.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-roars-back-at-us-says-satellite-interference-will-be-seen-as-declaration-of-war-665486">North Korea roars back at US, says satellite interference will be seen as declaration of war</a>

The lifting of sanctions, reports say, allows Iran to sell its drones, ballistic missiles, and related technologies, potentially generating revenue for supporting militant and terror proxies in the Middle East.

"The E3 remain committed to taking every diplomatic step to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to holding Iran to account for its destabilising activity around the region and internationally," the statement read.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zaporizhzhia-plants-power-cut-carried-risk-of-nuclear-accident-ukraine-665458">Zaporizhzhia plant's power cut carried risk of nuclear 'accident': Ukraine</a>

In response, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, dismissed the E3 statement as misleading, politically motivated, and lacking legal grounding.

He said that Iran is committed to peaceful and defensive measures, urging the international community to recognise it.

Kanaani clarified that, according to the 2015 nuclear deal timetable, all missile restrictions on Iran should have been lifted by October 17, 2023.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-fighting-resumes-how-safe-are-the-hostages-665497">Israel-Hamas War: Fighting resumes, how safe are the hostages?</a>

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The Iranian authorities maintain that these capabilities are non-negotiable and not subject to discussions as well as compromises.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran hit back at the UK, France, and Germany for jointly condemning its recent missile advances, specifically the unveiling of the Fattah-2 ballistic missile, which Tehran says is "hypersonic.

Iran hit back at the UK, France, and Germany for jointly condemning its recent missile advances, specifically the unveiling of the Fattah-2 ballistic missile, which Tehran says is "hypersonic." In a joint statement, the E3 countries expressed concern and said, "Iran continues to develop its missile programme despite repeated international calls to halt it, and after years of disregarding UN restrictions." The Fattah-2, equipped with an advanced warhead and hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV), was showcased at the Ashura Aerospace Science and Technology University in Tehran on November 19. Fattah, translating to "conquer" in Farsi, represents an advanced iteration of its initial domestically produced hypersonic ballistic missile, also named "Fattah". The new version boasts several notable features. It's HGV warhead is capable of maneuvering and gliding at incredibly high speeds, capable of evading air defence systems. Propelled by a liquid-fuel rocket propellant, the precision-guided two-stage missile exhibits a striking range of 1500 kilometres. It also achieves a velocity of Mach 15, equating to 15 times the speed of sound, equivalent to 18522 kilometres per hour, as per reports. UN sanctions against Iran lifted The E3 countries highlighted the global and regional security threat posed by Iran's ballistic missile program, especially following the expiration of UN sanctions on Iran's missile programme in October. Also Read | North Korea roars back at US, says satellite interference will be seen as declaration of war The lifting of sanctions, reports say, allows Iran to sell its drones, ballistic missiles, and related technologies, potentially generating revenue for supporting militant and terror proxies in the Middle East. "The E3 remain committed to taking every diplomatic step to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to holding Iran to account for its destabilising activity around the region and internationally," the statement read. Also Read | Zaporizhzhia plant's power cut carried risk of nuclear 'accident': Ukraine In response, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, dismissed the E3 statement as misleading, politically motivated, and lacking legal grounding. He said that Iran is committed to peaceful and defensive measures, urging the international community to recognise it. Kanaani clarified that, according to the 2015 nuclear deal timetable, all missile restrictions on Iran should have been lifted by October 17, 2023. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Fighting resumes, how safe are the hostages? × The Iranian authorities maintain that these capabilities are non-negotiable and not subject to discussions as well as compromises. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran says claims over launch of Fattah-2 hypersonic missile 'misleading'

The rival Fatah organisation of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas was celebrated by tens of thousands on Saturday in the Gaza Strip, which is under the control of Hamas.

Rare Fatah rally in Hamas' Gaza; Al-Katiba Square turns into sea of yellow | English News | WION

IN PICS | Palestinians hold rare gathering to mark death anniversary of Fatah founder Yasser Arafat

Palestinian factions signed a reconciliation deal in Algiers on Thursday, vowing to hold elections by next October in their latest attempt to end a rift that has now lasted more than 15 years.

The deal was signed by a leading figure from the&nbsp;Fatah&nbsp;party of President Mahmud Abbas and by the chief of Islamist movement&nbsp;Hamas, which rules Gaza.

But Abbas himself, president of the Palestinian Authority since 2005, was not present.

"We signed this agreement to get rid of the malignant cancer of division that has entered the Palestinian body," said the head of the Fatah delegation, Azzam al-Ahmed.

"We are optimistic that it will be implemented and will not remain ink on paper."

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said, "It is a day of joy in Palestine and Algeria and for those who love the Palestinian cause, but a day of sadness for the Zionist entity (Israel)."

Fatah and Hamas have been at odds since elections in 2006, which were won by Hamas but never recognised by the international community.

The following year, the Islamist movement seized control of the Gaza Strip beginning years of division, with Fatah administering Palestinian-run areas of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-palestinian-teens-shot-dead-in-another-israeli-west-bank-operation-523652">Two Palestinian teens shot dead in another Israeli West Bank operation</a>

The first elections since the division were set to take place last year, but were cancelled by Abbas.

Algerian President&nbsp;Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who mediated Thursday's deal, noted in a speech at the signing ceremony in the Algerian capital's Palace of Nations that Yasser Arafat had used the same building to announce the independence of the State of Palestine in 1988.

The deal was signed with pomp and ceremony in the presence of foreign ambassadors and a military band that played the Palestinian and Algerian national anthems.

Fatah and Hamas have signed several similar deals in the past but none has led to elections actually taking place.

Yet Thursday's agreement is something of a diplomatic coup for Algeria, weeks before it is set to host an Arab League summit.

A major <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pound-jumps-on-reports-uk-government-may-reverse-tax-cutting-proposals-525152">gas exporter</a>, the North African country has received a steady stream of European leaders in recent months as it seeks to increase both energy sales and its diplomatic clout, particularly amid renewed tensions with its main rival Morocco.

Under Thursday's "Algiers Declaration", also signed by other major Palestinian factions, elections will take place for the presidency and for the Palestinian Legislative Council, which acts as a parliament for Palestinians in the occupied territories.

It also stipulates <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-state-of-mind-role-in-capitol-attack-to-be-examined-at-hearing-thursday-afternoon-524998">elections</a> for the Palestinian National Council, a parliament for Palestinians including in the millions-strong diaspora. Algeria agreed to host the Council.

There had been discussion of forming a unity government but it was not mentioned in the final document.

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Palestinian factions signed a reconciliation deal in Algiers on Thursday, vowing to hold elections by next October in their latest attempt to end a rift that has now lasted more than 15 years.

Palestinian factions signed a reconciliation deal in Algiers on Thursday, vowing to hold elections by next October in their latest attempt to end a rift that has now lasted more than 15 years. The deal was signed by a leading figure from the Fatah party of President Mahmud Abbas and by the chief of Islamist movement Hamas, which rules Gaza. But Abbas himself, president of the Palestinian Authority since 2005, was not present. "We signed this agreement to get rid of the malignant cancer of division that has entered the Palestinian body," said the head of the Fatah delegation, Azzam al-Ahmed. "We are optimistic that it will be implemented and will not remain ink on paper." Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said, "It is a day of joy in Palestine and Algeria and for those who love the Palestinian cause, but a day of sadness for the Zionist entity (Israel)." Fatah and Hamas have been at odds since elections in 2006, which were won by Hamas but never recognised by the international community. The following year, the Islamist movement seized control of the Gaza Strip beginning years of division, with Fatah administering Palestinian-run areas of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Also read | Two Palestinian teens shot dead in another Israeli West Bank operation The first elections since the division were set to take place last year, but were cancelled by Abbas. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who mediated Thursday's deal, noted in a speech at the signing ceremony in the Algerian capital's Palace of Nations that Yasser Arafat had used the same building to announce the independence of the State of Palestine in 1988. The deal was signed with pomp and ceremony in the presence of foreign ambassadors and a military band that played the Palestinian and Algerian national anthems. Fatah and Hamas have signed several similar deals in the past but none has led to elections actually taking place. Yet Thursday's agreement is something of a diplomatic coup for Algeria, weeks before it is set to host an Arab League summit. A major gas exporter, the North African country has received a steady stream of European leaders in recent months as it seeks to increase both energy sales and its diplomatic clout, particularly amid renewed tensions with its main rival Morocco. Under Thursday's "Algiers Declaration", also signed by other major Palestinian factions, elections will take place for the presidency and for the Palestinian Legislative Council, which acts as a parliament for Palestinians in the occupied territories. It also stipulates elections for the Palestinian National Council, a parliament for Palestinians including in the millions-strong diaspora. Algeria agreed to host the Council. There had been discussion of forming a unity government but it was not mentioned in the final document. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Palestinian rivals Hamas and Fatah sign reconciliation deal in Algiers

Palestinian authority president Mahmoud Abbas's fatah faction has improved its standing against Palestinians, the rise in popularity is being attributed to Israel's apparent confidence building measures among Palestinians.

Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction improves standing among Palestinians

Is there any way out of the Israel-Palestine conflict? This cycle of war and murder has gone on for more than 70 years. Experts often talk about the two-state solution. India supports it. As do many others.

So what is the two-state solution? In simple words, the creation of two states. One for the Jews, called Israel. And one for the Arabs, called Palestine.

The two-state solution was first pitched in 1937. On paper, it looks simple enough. In reality, it's anything but. Historians call it the most intractable conflict in the world.

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What do the people say? This is what a Gallup poll found in 2013.&nbsp;

70 per cent Palestinians in the West Bank support the two-state theory. 48 per cent in Gaza and 52 per cent in Israel. So the people are willing to live as neighbours.

Then why is the promise of Palestine still unfulfilled? To understand this we must look at the politics of Palestine. Both&nbsp;domestic and international. Who speaks for the Palestinian community? Who is their leader? And why are Arab states suddenly wary of supporting their cause?

For Arab states, choosing between Israel and Palestine was easy. They backed Palestine. But this time it's not so simple. Israel is now a recognised partner of the Arab world. Last year, four countries normalised ties with Israel. The UAE, Sudan, Bahrain and Morocco. Others were reportedly going to follow suit.

So what do these countries do?

Make vague statements of support for Palestine. Watch the conflict closely but not engage in it. Palestine is on the backburner because the Arab world has bigger priorities now. They see Israel as a strategic partner. A market with immense potential. And an ally against Iran, Turkey and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Arab people still support Palestine. They are flooding social media with hashtags. And marching on the streets.&nbsp;The only difference is that their leaders don't share this enthusiasm anymore. Their condemnation of Israel is more out of compulsion than concern.

That's the regional politics. What about the internal politics of Palestine?

For decades it was dominated by Yasser Arafat. The Palestinian struggle was synonymous with him. Until he was alive there was unity in the movement.

But Arafat died in 2004. And with his death factionalism crept in. Today, Palestinian politics is a story of fragmented leadership. In the West Bank, the Fatah party, founded by Arafat, calls the shots.

In Gaza, it's the Hamas.

Hamas was founded in 1987 around the same time as the first Intifada or uprising. They were an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. Unlike the Fatah, Hamas has a military wing. And they are not shy of using it.

Canada, the EU, the US, Israel and Japan have listed them as a terror group.

What about India? New Delhi does not classify Hamas as a terror group. In 2018 they abstained from a UN vote condemning them. Both civilian and military targets are fair game for Hamas. Some of their attacks have been classified as war crimes.&nbsp;

But before their military adventurism Hamas was actually a political success. They won the 2006 Palestinian elections. They were set to dominate West Bank politics. But that's when the West stepped in, the powers of the western world. They made two key demands from Hamas.

One, a commitment to non-violence.

And two, the recognition of Israel.

Hamas refused both.

Unlike the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), Hamas doesn't recognise the state of Israel. They consider violence to be a legitimate tool of the movement. Thanks to all this, foreign aid dwindled. Palestinian leaders grew uneasy. The split between Hamas and Fatah widened.

In 2007, it reached tipping point with the battle of Gaza. The battle ended with Hamas taking over the Gaza strip. And since then they have ruled this Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

In these 14 years, their approach hasn't changed. Hamas prefers rockets over diplomacy. So they make more headlines than the Fatah.

Most of the leaders of Hamas live in fancy hotels in Turkey, away from Gaza and the war. They have their swimming pools and country clubs, even private bodyguards. All this when people in Gaza suffer.

Forbes listed Hamas as the third richest terror group in the world. Their annual income was 700 million dollars.

So it's clear that Hamas does not speak for all Palestinians. Most of them would prefer a peaceful solution to this conflict. But Hamas is dead set on military victories. And none of it is surprising.

Every movement in history has had two factions, the moderates and the extremists. Hamas is the extremist group here.

Their only claim to legitimacy is the fact that Israel is bombing them.&nbsp;

But war cannot be the way forward. Especially against a superior power like Israel. The little gains that Palestine has made have been through diplomacy. There have been none on the battlefield. So the picture of Hamas fighters resisting Israel is a romanticised reality.

It makes for great headlines, but nothing else.

Is there any way out of the Israel-Palestine conflict? This cycle of war and murder has gone on for more than 70 years. Experts often talk about the two-state solution.

Is there any way out of the Israel-Palestine conflict? This cycle of war and murder has gone on for more than 70 years. Experts often talk about the two-state solution. India supports it. As do many others. So what is the two-state solution? In simple words, the creation of two states. One for the Jews, called Israel. And one for the Arabs, called Palestine. The two-state solution was first pitched in 1937. On paper, it looks simple enough. In reality, it's anything but. Historians call it the most intractable conflict in the world. × What do the people say? This is what a Gallup poll found in 2013. 70 per cent Palestinians in the West Bank support the two-state theory. 48 per cent in Gaza and 52 per cent in Israel. So the people are willing to live as neighbours. Then why is the promise of Palestine still unfulfilled? To understand this we must look at the politics of Palestine. Both domestic and international. Who speaks for the Palestinian community? Who is their leader? And why are Arab states suddenly wary of supporting their cause? For Arab states, choosing between Israel and Palestine was easy. They backed Palestine. But this time it's not so simple. Israel is now a recognised partner of the Arab world. Last year, four countries normalised ties with Israel. The UAE, Sudan, Bahrain and Morocco. Others were reportedly going to follow suit. So what do these countries do? Make vague statements of support for Palestine. Watch the conflict closely but not engage in it. Palestine is on the backburner because the Arab world has bigger priorities now. They see Israel as a strategic partner. A market with immense potential. And an ally against Iran, Turkey and the Muslim Brotherhood. Arab people still support Palestine. They are flooding social media with hashtags. And marching on the streets. The only difference is that their leaders don't share this enthusiasm anymore. Their condemnation of Israel is more out of compulsion than concern. That's the regional politics. What about the internal politics of Palestine? For decades it was dominated by Yasser Arafat. The Palestinian struggle was synonymous with him. Until he was alive there was unity in the movement. But Arafat died in 2004. And with his death factionalism crept in. Today, Palestinian politics is a story of fragmented leadership. In the West Bank, the Fatah party, founded by Arafat, calls the shots. In Gaza, it's the Hamas. Hamas was founded in 1987 around the same time as the first Intifada or uprising. They were an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. Unlike the Fatah, Hamas has a military wing. And they are not shy of using it. Canada, the EU, the US, Israel and Japan have listed them as a terror group. What about India? New Delhi does not classify Hamas as a terror group. In 2018 they abstained from a UN vote condemning them. Both civilian and military targets are fair game for Hamas. Some of their attacks have been classified as war crimes. But before their military adventurism Hamas was actually a political success. They won the 2006 Palestinian elections. They were set to dominate West Bank politics. But that's when the West stepped in, the powers of the western world. They made two key demands from Hamas. One, a commitment to non-violence. And two, the recognition of Israel. Hamas refused both. Unlike the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), Hamas doesn't recognise the state of Israel. They consider violence to be a legitimate tool of the movement. Thanks to all this, foreign aid dwindled. Palestinian leaders grew uneasy. The split between Hamas and Fatah widened. In 2007, it reached tipping point with the battle of Gaza. The battle ended with Hamas taking over the Gaza strip. And since then they have ruled this Palestinian enclave. In these 14 years, their approach hasn't changed. Hamas prefers rockets over diplomacy. So they make more headlines than the Fatah. Most of the leaders of Hamas live in fancy hotels in Turkey, away from Gaza and the war. They have their swimming pools and country clubs, even private bodyguards. All this when people in Gaza suffer. Forbes listed Hamas as the third richest terror group in the world. Their annual income was 700 million dollars. So it's clear that Hamas does not speak for all Palestinians. Most of them would prefer a peaceful solution to this conflict. But Hamas is dead set on military victories. And none of it is surprising. Every movement in history has had two factions, the moderates and the extremists. Hamas is the extremist group here. Their only claim to legitimacy is the fact that Israel is bombing them. But war cannot be the way forward. Especially against a superior power like Israel. The little gains that Palestine has made have been through diplomacy. There have been none on the battlefield. So the picture of Hamas fighters resisting Israel is a romanticised reality. It makes for great headlines, but nothing else.

How representative is Hamas of Palestinians?

The Palestinian Authority said Sunday it was withdrawing staff from the Rafah border post with Egypt in the southern Gaza Strip to protest against "brutal practices" by rival faction Hamas.&nbsp;

"This decision comes in the light of recent developments and brutal practices of the de facto gangs" in the Gaza Strip, said the PA's civil affairs authority in a statement, quoted by official Palestinian news agency WAFA.

It accused Hamas of "summoning, arresting and abusing our employees", leading it to conclude that their presence was futile, the statement said.&nbsp;

Islamist movement Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007 in a near civil war with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas' Fatah party.

But the Palestinian Authority took control of Rafah in November 2017, as part of a deal that saw Egypt reopen a border that had been entirely shut from August that year and largely sealed for years before that. &nbsp;

"Since we took over the Rafah crossing, Hamas has been obstructing the work of our crew there," the statement said.

It said Egypt had made the reopening of Rafah — the only land crossing from the Gaza Strip to non-Palestinian territory beyond two posts with Israel — conditional on the PA being in-charge of it.&nbsp;

A Hamas spokesman said the PA's decision to withdraw "constitutes a new step by Mahmud Abbas in separating the West Bank from the Gaza Strip".&nbsp;

The PA is based in the city of Ramallah and only governs parts of the Israeli occupied West Bank, which is separated from the Gaza Strip by internationally recognised Israeli territory.

In late December, a Fatah spokesman accused Hamas of carrying out mass arrests of its members in the Gaza Strip. Hamas denied the allegation.

Several attempts to reconcile Fatah and Hamas have failed in recent years.&nbsp;

The internationally recognised PA has tightened pressure on Hamas in recent months by reducing the salaries of civil servants in Gaza, which has been squeezed by a long Israeli blockade.

The Palestinian Authority took control of Rafah in November 2017 as part of a deal that saw Egypt reopen a border.

The Palestinian Authority said Sunday it was withdrawing staff from the Rafah border post with Egypt in the southern Gaza Strip to protest against "brutal practices" by rival faction Hamas. "This decision comes in the light of recent developments and brutal practices of the de facto gangs" in the Gaza Strip, said the PA's civil affairs authority in a statement, quoted by official Palestinian news agency WAFA. It accused Hamas of "summoning, arresting and abusing our employees", leading it to conclude that their presence was futile, the statement said. Islamist movement Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007 in a near civil war with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas' Fatah party. But the Palestinian Authority took control of Rafah in November 2017, as part of a deal that saw Egypt reopen a border that had been entirely shut from August that year and largely sealed for years before that. "Since we took over the Rafah crossing, Hamas has been obstructing the work of our crew there," the statement said. It said Egypt had made the reopening of Rafah — the only land crossing from the Gaza Strip to non-Palestinian territory beyond two posts with Israel — conditional on the PA being in-charge of it. A Hamas spokesman said the PA's decision to withdraw "constitutes a new step by Mahmud Abbas in separating the West Bank from the Gaza Strip". The PA is based in the city of Ramallah and only governs parts of the Israeli occupied West Bank, which is separated from the Gaza Strip by internationally recognised Israeli territory. In late December, a Fatah spokesman accused Hamas of carrying out mass arrests of its members in the Gaza Strip. Hamas denied the allegation. Several attempts to reconcile Fatah and Hamas have failed in recent years. The internationally recognised PA has tightened pressure on Hamas in recent months by reducing the salaries of civil servants in Gaza, which has been squeezed by a long Israeli blockade.

Palestinian Authority pulls staff from Rafah border crossing

Palestine&#39;s Hamas group has agreed to talks with rival Fatah movement, to dissolve the Gaza administrative committee and hold general elections as a way to implement a deal to end their long-running feud, the group said in a statement on Sunday.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas&#39; Western-backed Palestine Authority, controlled by Fatah, fought a war with Hamas over Gaza in 2007, which led to Hamas taking over.

Attempts to reconcile the two and form a power-sharing unity government in Gaza and the West Bank have failed.

Hamas said in its statement that it agreed to dissolve administration running Gaza, allow the reconcillation government to carry out its duties in the territory, to hold elections and enter talks with Fatah.

Egypt has been brokering talks with Abbas&#39;s Fatah group to implement a deal signed in 2011 in Cairo with Islamist Hamas to end their dispute and form an interim government before elections.

With the prospect of a Middle East peace initiative by a new US Trump administration more sympathetic to Israel, Abbas has put pressure on Hamas, including not paying Israel for electricity for Gaza territory and cutting salaries for civil servants there.

Palestine Hamas has agreed to talks to dissolve the Gaza administrative committee and hold general elections as a way to implement a deal to end their long-running feud

Palestine's Hamas group has agreed to talks with rival Fatah movement, to dissolve the Gaza administrative committee and hold general elections as a way to implement a deal to end their long-running feud, the group said in a statement on Sunday. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Western-backed Palestine Authority, controlled by Fatah, fought a war with Hamas over Gaza in 2007, which led to Hamas taking over. Attempts to reconcile the two and form a power-sharing unity government in Gaza and the West Bank have failed. Hamas said in its statement that it agreed to dissolve administration running Gaza, allow the reconcillation government to carry out its duties in the territory, to hold elections and enter talks with Fatah. Egypt has been brokering talks with Abbas's Fatah group to implement a deal signed in 2011 in Cairo with Islamist Hamas to end their dispute and form an interim government before elections. With the prospect of a Middle East peace initiative by a new US Trump administration more sympathetic to Israel, Abbas has put pressure on Hamas, including not paying Israel for electricity for Gaza territory and cutting salaries for civil servants there.

Palestine's Hamas ready for talks with Fatah, elections - statement

The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Monday dropped its longstanding call for Israel&#39;s destruction, but said it still rejected the country&#39;s right to exist and backs &quot;armed struggle&quot; against it.

In a policy document presented in Doha by its leader Khaled Meshaal, Hamas also said it would end its association with the Muslim Brotherhood, a move apparently aimed at improving ties with Gulf Arab states and Egypt, which view the Brotherhood as a terrorist group.

Israel responded to the announcement by accusing Hamas of trying to &quot;fool the world&quot;, while the group&#39;s main Palestinian political rival, the Fatah faction of President Mahmoud Abbas, also reacted coolly to the policy shift.

The publication of the policy document comes two days before Abbas is due to visit Washington, and days after President Donald Trump told Reuters he may travel to Israel this month and sees no reason why there should not be peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

&quot;We don&#39;t want to dilute our principles but we want to be open. We hope this (document) will mark a change in the stance of European states towards us,&quot; Meshaal told reporters.

Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, said in the document it agreed to a transitional Palestinian state within the borders of 1967, when Israel captured Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem in a war with Arab states. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005.

&quot;Hamas advocates the liberation of all of Palestine but is ready to support the state on 1967 borders without recognising Israel or ceding any rights,&quot; said Meshaal, in a shift that brings Hamas more into line with the position of Fatah.

&quot;Terror Tunnels&quot;

Israel said the document aimed to deceive the world that Hamas was becoming more moderate.

&quot;Hamas is attempting to fool the world but it will not succeed,&quot; said David Keyes, a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. &quot;They dig terror tunnels and have launched thousands upon thousands of missiles at Israeli civilians. This is the real Hamas.&quot;

Founded in 1987 as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, the banned Egyptian Islamist movement, Hamas has fought three wars with Israel since 2007 and has carried out hundreds of armed attacks in Israel and in Israeli-occupied territories.

Many Western countries classify Hamas as a terrorist group over its failure to renounce violence, recognise Israel&#39;s right to exist and accept existing interim Israeli-Palestinian peace agreements.

Meshaal said Hamas&#39;s fight was not against Judaism as a religion but against what he called &quot;aggressor Zionists&quot;.

Fatah spokesman Osama al-Qawasme upbraided Hamas for taking decades to join Fatah in accepting a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, a position Hamas used to criticise Fatah for.

&quot;Hamas&#39;s new document is identical to that taken by Fatah in 1988. Hamas is required to make an apology to Fatah after 30 years of accusing us of treason for that policy,&quot; Qawasme said.

It remained unclear whether the document replaces Hamas&#39;s 1988 charter, which calls for Israel&rsquo;s destruction. Meshaal said the document would &quot;guide Hamas&#39;s daily political activity&quot;.

Abbas&#39;s Palestinian Authority has engaged in peace talks with Israel on the basis of seeking a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, although the last, US-mediated round collapsed three years ago.

There was no immediate comment on Monday from Egypt and Gulf Arab states to the Hamas document.

&quot;For Hamas ... it&#39;s a signal of their desire to align with conservative Sunni elements in the region and create some immunity (from Saudi pressure),&quot; said Beverley Milton-Edwards, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Doha Centre and author of a book on Hamas.

But while the document could strengthen Hamas&#39;s position in the Palestinian Territories and the Middle East, she said, it was unlikely to lead &quot;to any definitive swing in opinion in the group&#39;s favour in the United States or even Europe.&quot;

Meshaal said Hamas remained part of the Muslim Brotherhood&#39;s &quot;intellectual school&quot; but was &quot;an independent Palestinian organisation&quot;.

US-allied Arab states including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia classify the Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation. The 89-year-old Brotherhood held power in Egypt for a year after a popular uprising in 2011, but was then removed by the army after mass street protests.

The Brotherhood denies links with Islamist militants and advocates Islamist political parties winning power through elections, which Saudi Arabia considers a threat to its system of absolute power through inherited rule.

(Reuters)

Hamas dropped its longstanding call for Israel's destruction

The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Monday dropped its longstanding call for Israel's destruction, but said it still rejected the country's right to exist and backs "armed struggle" against it. In a policy document presented in Doha by its leader Khaled Meshaal, Hamas also said it would end its association with the Muslim Brotherhood, a move apparently aimed at improving ties with Gulf Arab states and Egypt, which view the Brotherhood as a terrorist group. Israel responded to the announcement by accusing Hamas of trying to "fool the world", while the group's main Palestinian political rival, the Fatah faction of President Mahmoud Abbas, also reacted coolly to the policy shift. The publication of the policy document comes two days before Abbas is due to visit Washington, and days after President Donald Trump told Reuters he may travel to Israel this month and sees no reason why there should not be peace between Israel and the Palestinians. "We don't want to dilute our principles but we want to be open. We hope this (document) will mark a change in the stance of European states towards us," Meshaal told reporters. Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, said in the document it agreed to a transitional Palestinian state within the borders of 1967, when Israel captured Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem in a war with Arab states. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. "Hamas advocates the liberation of all of Palestine but is ready to support the state on 1967 borders without recognising Israel or ceding any rights," said Meshaal, in a shift that brings Hamas more into line with the position of Fatah. "Terror Tunnels" Israel said the document aimed to deceive the world that Hamas was becoming more moderate. "Hamas is attempting to fool the world but it will not succeed," said David Keyes, a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "They dig terror tunnels and have launched thousands upon thousands of missiles at Israeli civilians. This is the real Hamas." Founded in 1987 as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, the banned Egyptian Islamist movement, Hamas has fought three wars with Israel since 2007 and has carried out hundreds of armed attacks in Israel and in Israeli-occupied territories. Many Western countries classify Hamas as a terrorist group over its failure to renounce violence, recognise Israel's right to exist and accept existing interim Israeli-Palestinian peace agreements. Meshaal said Hamas's fight was not against Judaism as a religion but against what he called "aggressor Zionists". Fatah spokesman Osama al-Qawasme upbraided Hamas for taking decades to join Fatah in accepting a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, a position Hamas used to criticise Fatah for. "Hamas's new document is identical to that taken by Fatah in 1988. Hamas is required to make an apology to Fatah after 30 years of accusing us of treason for that policy," Qawasme said. It remained unclear whether the document replaces Hamas's 1988 charter, which calls for Israel’s destruction. Meshaal said the document would "guide Hamas's daily political activity". Abbas's Palestinian Authority has engaged in peace talks with Israel on the basis of seeking a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, although the last, US-mediated round collapsed three years ago. There was no immediate comment on Monday from Egypt and Gulf Arab states to the Hamas document. "For Hamas ... it's a signal of their desire to align with conservative Sunni elements in the region and create some immunity (from Saudi pressure)," said Beverley Milton-Edwards, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Doha Centre and author of a book on Hamas. But while the document could strengthen Hamas's position in the Palestinian Territories and the Middle East, she said, it was unlikely to lead "to any definitive swing in opinion in the group's favour in the United States or even Europe." Meshaal said Hamas remained part of the Muslim Brotherhood's "intellectual school" but was "an independent Palestinian organisation". US-allied Arab states including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia classify the Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation. The 89-year-old Brotherhood held power in Egypt for a year after a popular uprising in 2011, but was then removed by the army after mass street protests. The Brotherhood denies links with Islamist militants and advocates Islamist political parties winning power through elections, which Saudi Arabia considers a threat to its system of absolute power through inherited rule. (Reuters)

Hamas softens stance on Israel ahead of Mahmoud Abbas's meeting with Trump

By: Anchal Vohra

Jerusalem is the heart of Israel and Palestine and it beats at the Temple Mount, as Jews call it, or Haram esh-sharif, as Muslims refer to it. A confluence of the three biggest monotheistic religions, this is&nbsp;where Abraham attempted to sacrifice his son Issac before God&#39;s&nbsp;last second intervention. Crusaders turned&nbsp;it into a church. The third-most revered site in Islam, it is here that Allah asked the prophet to look at Kaaba. Hence, jurisdiction over this edifice is a highly sensitive matter. 
&nbsp; 
East Jerusalem is the home of the Dome of the Rock. In possession of the Western part, Israel annexed the East from Jordan in and since then, to keep the peace, Jordan manages Al Aqsa mosque&#39;s affairs through a waqf board. 
&nbsp; 
But now, Donald Trump says he will move the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which in effect is America&rsquo;s strongest acknowledgment of Jerusalem being Israel&rsquo;s capital.

To find out what the Palestinians are thinking, I travelled to Ramallah, barely a fifteen&nbsp;minute&nbsp;drive from Jerusalem, but an hour-long wait at the check point.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
A city within a city, the thick cement wall divides Israel from Palestine, and boards warn Israelis from entering the enemy territory. 
Inside, the wall is decorated with&nbsp;grafitti about&nbsp;the Palestinian movement and sketches of the leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation leader, Yasser Arafat.&nbsp;

Jerusalem doesn&#39;t belong to Israel, says Abel Taqz, a member of the Palestinian People&#39;s Party, which played a big role in the first Palestinian intifada. Taqz is furious at Donald Trump for wanting to shift the embassy. He says this would end the peace process and the two-nation solution would lose all meaning. 
&nbsp; 
His room is decorated with revolutionary posters. One of them depicts a tree with long roots. Taqz explains, &quot;This shows our roots are deep.&quot; Taqz&#39;s intention is to let Trump know that Palestinians haven&#39;t forgotten their roots. The threat is a veiled concern. He fears the new American president may bring chaos upon the region. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;If Palestinian people lose hope of a two-state solution...And Israel is not willing to solve the problem and keep building settlements in Palestinian lands, it means there will be no hope for the people. And when people lose hope, anything can happen. Palestinian problem is the core issue of conflict in the Middle East and there is a danger of religious wars in the region. If Donald Trump supports Netanyahu&#39;s plans for a Jewish state, other islamic nations will support an Islamic state in Palestine. This will redirect the whole issue from political to a religious one and this can only result in a violent war, which will affect countries well beyond these two nations&quot;, he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Of the two parties, Fatah and Hamas, both agree that there will be violence if the US takes this step. But the ruling party, Fatah has a different plan to take on the might of the US. 
&nbsp; 
A party member Amin Shooman says, &quot;In Syria after Russia entered, it ended the war in Aleppo and everything is good now. We hope what happened in Syria, happens in West Bank and Putin stands with the Palestinians and demands from Trump that he doesn&#39;t move the embassy to Jerusalem.&quot;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Russia has already been trying to bring the two Palestinian factions,&nbsp;Fatah in Ramallah and Hamas in Gaza Strip,&nbsp;together. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fayez Warda, a Hamas leader who has been arrested several times both by the Israelis and Fatah, says, &ldquo;Our view of Russia is different from America. We look at Russia as a friend and they are holding reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah.&rdquo; 
&nbsp; 
It is evident Russia is being seen as a formidable power in the region. After the Syrian success, the Palestinians want Russia to play a much bigger role in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Palestinian parties want Russia to take on Israel and the US on its behalf. Will Russia give in to the dream of regional hegemony or use this as leverage to crack a deal with the United States for economic purposes?&nbsp;

Trump called Netanyahu within days of taking power and even though he held on to the announcement of moving the embassy, soon after the phone call Israel restarted work on settlements in east Jerusalem.

(WION)

Donald Trump says he will move the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, making Hamas and Fatah very angry

By: Anchal Vohra Jerusalem is the heart of Israel and Palestine and it beats at the Temple Mount, as Jews call it, or Haram esh-sharif, as Muslims refer to it. A confluence of the three biggest monotheistic religions, this is where Abraham attempted to sacrifice his son Issac before God's last second intervention. Crusaders turned it into a church. The third-most revered site in Islam, it is here that Allah asked the prophet to look at Kaaba. Hence, jurisdiction over this edifice is a highly sensitive matter. East Jerusalem is the home of the Dome of the Rock. In possession of the Western part, Israel annexed the East from Jordan in and since then, to keep the peace, Jordan manages Al Aqsa mosque's affairs through a waqf board. But now, Donald Trump says he will move the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which in effect is America’s strongest acknowledgment of Jerusalem being Israel’s capital. To find out what the Palestinians are thinking, I travelled to Ramallah, barely a fifteen minute drive from Jerusalem, but an hour-long wait at the check point. A city within a city, the thick cement wall divides Israel from Palestine, and boards warn Israelis from entering the enemy territory. Inside, the wall is decorated with grafitti about the Palestinian movement and sketches of the leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation leader, Yasser Arafat. Jerusalem doesn't belong to Israel, says Abel Taqz, a member of the Palestinian People's Party, which played a big role in the first Palestinian intifada. Taqz is furious at Donald Trump for wanting to shift the embassy. He says this would end the peace process and the two-nation solution would lose all meaning. His room is decorated with revolutionary posters. One of them depicts a tree with long roots. Taqz explains, "This shows our roots are deep." Taqz's intention is to let Trump know that Palestinians haven't forgotten their roots. The threat is a veiled concern. He fears the new American president may bring chaos upon the region. "If Palestinian people lose hope of a two-state solution...And Israel is not willing to solve the problem and keep building settlements in Palestinian lands, it means there will be no hope for the people. And when people lose hope, anything can happen. Palestinian problem is the core issue of conflict in the Middle East and there is a danger of religious wars in the region. If Donald Trump supports Netanyahu's plans for a Jewish state, other islamic nations will support an Islamic state in Palestine. This will redirect the whole issue from political to a religious one and this can only result in a violent war, which will affect countries well beyond these two nations", he said. Of the two parties, Fatah and Hamas, both agree that there will be violence if the US takes this step. But the ruling party, Fatah has a different plan to take on the might of the US. A party member Amin Shooman says, "In Syria after Russia entered, it ended the war in Aleppo and everything is good now. We hope what happened in Syria, happens in West Bank and Putin stands with the Palestinians and demands from Trump that he doesn't move the embassy to Jerusalem." Russia has already been trying to bring the two Palestinian factions, Fatah in Ramallah and Hamas in Gaza Strip, together. Fayez Warda, a Hamas leader who has been arrested several times both by the Israelis and Fatah, says, “Our view of Russia is different from America. We look at Russia as a friend and they are holding reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah.” It is evident Russia is being seen as a formidable power in the region. After the Syrian success, the Palestinians want Russia to play a much bigger role in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Palestinian parties want Russia to take on Israel and the US on its behalf. Will Russia give in to the dream of regional hegemony or use this as leverage to crack a deal with the United States for economic purposes? Trump called Netanyahu within days of taking power and even though he held on to the announcement of moving the embassy, soon after the phone call Israel restarted work on settlements in east Jerusalem. (WION)

Ramallah warns of a religious war, rakes up Russia

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