In Palestinian Power Struggle, Hamas Moderates Talk on Israel
Released by Hamas just days before its chief rival, the Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas, was to meet President Trump, a new document of principles for the group calls for closer ties to Egypt, waters down the anti-Semitic language from its charter,
and accepts at least a provisional Palestinian state — though it still does not formally recognize Israel.
After a meeting between Mr. Sisi and Mr. Abbas in Cairo on Saturday, the Egyptian president’s office issued a statement
that noted Egypt’s "pivotal role," and urged Palestinian unity as "essential to put an end to the plight of the Palestinian people." Follow Ian Fisher on Twitter @fisheri Majd Al Waheidi contributed reporting from Gaza, and Declan Walsh from Cairo.
and Fatah are afraid that by this moderation, Hamas presents itself as the true representation
of the Palestinian people," he said, referring to the Palestinian Authority.
By IAN FISHERMAY 1, 2017
JERUSALEM — Hamas, the militant group built around violent resistance to Israel, sought on Monday to present a more moderate public
face, taking its next shot in an intensifying struggle for leadership of the Palestinian cause and international recognition.
Mr. Abbas was scheduled to meet with Mr. Trump in Washington on Wednesday as the sole representative of the Palestinian people.
Muslim Brotherhood said that Hamas confirms that the resistance leadership can decide the level of resistance
and can utilize a variety of the different tools and way to administrate the conflict, without compromising the resistance.
The split between the two groups — Fatah in the West Bank, Hamas in Gaza — has stood as one of the major obstacles in
the peace process with Israel: Who, the Israelis ask, is their partner if the Palestinians are so deeply divided?