Palestinian Authority Sees Trump’s Iran Policy as a Strategic Advantage
A top Palestinian Authority official has voiced optimism regarding the potential impact of President Donald Trump’s foreign policy on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to a recent interview published in the New York Post, Muhammad Hamdan, secretary-general of the Fatah movement (which controls the palestinian Authority), believes that a weakened Iran would indirectly benefit the PA.
Hamdan stated, “We see that Trump and the ruling government in Israel intend to destroy Iran,” suggesting that this action would negatively affect Hamas. He explained, “This would weaken Hamas because of ‘their connection to regimes outside of Palestine.'” Further emphasizing the PA’s stance, he added, “We are going against the ideology of Hamas.”
This assessment comes amidst heightened tensions between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. In early December, a meaningful incident occurred when terrorists hijacked two Palestinian Authority vehicles and displayed them alongside Hamas and ISIS flags. This act of defiance prompted a crackdown by PA security forces, targeting numerous Hamas operatives in the West Bank. At least three individuals were killed in subsequent raids on Hamas cells.
Hamdan’s comments also highlight a fundamental difference in approach between the PA and Hamas regarding international relations. He noted, “Hamas rejects international legitimacy, that is, UN resolutions,” underscoring the PA’s commitment to working within the framework of international norms and institutions, a stark contrast to hamas’s more radical approach.
The implications of this evolving dynamic are significant for the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The PA’s belief that a weakened Iran will translate into a weakened Hamas could reshape the regional power balance and potentially influence future negotiations. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks and months.
According to Muhammad Hamdan, secretary-general of the Fatah movement, a weakened Iran would indirectly benefit the Palestinian Authority.[[1]] He believes this would weaken Hamas due to their connection to regimes outside of Palestine. [[1]]
the Palestinian Authority has taken a more internationalist approach, while Hamas rejects international legitimacy and UN resolutions.[[1]]