Palestinian leader says Trump will ‘destroy Iran,’ break down Hamas: report
A Palestinian Authority (PA) official has reportedly made bold predictions about the future of Iran and Hamas in light of the upcoming presidency of Donald Trump. Mohammad Hamdan, the secretary-general of the PA’s ruling Fatah Party, recently shared his views with the New York Post during a meeting with other top PA leaders in Nablus.
According to Hamdan, Trump is planning to “destroy Iran,” which would have a ripple effect on Hamas. He believes that the weakening of Iran will effectively break down the remaining Hamas terror cells, forcing them to align more closely with Palestinian interests. This comes at a time when PA forces have been conducting security operations in the West Bank city of Jenin to combat armed extremists linked to Hamas.
The recent actions of Hamas extremists in stealing PA vehicles and waving Hamas and ISIS flags in Jenin have escalated tensions in the region. PA forces have responded by killing at least three extremists and vowing to arrest or eliminate the remaining individuals responsible for the unrest. The PA’s ultimate goal is to address Hamas’ ideology and sever its ties to external regimes, particularly Iran.
The longstanding rivalry between Fatah and Hamas dates back to the 2006 election, which resulted in Hamas seizing control of the Gaza Strip. Since then, Hamas has engaged in repeated attacks on Israel, leading to a cycle of violence and instability in the region. The PA, backed by the U.S. and other Western governments, is now positioning itself to resume governance of Gaza once the conflict with Hamas is resolved.
Hamdan emphasized the PA’s commitment to international legitimacy and adherence to UN resolutions, contrasting this with Hamas’ rejection of such principles. He also criticized U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, attributing the rise of Islamic extremism to America’s efforts to reshape the region.
As the PA grapples with internal security challenges and external pressures, there is speculation about the future of Gaza governance. Some Israeli officials have suggested that the PA could play a role in post-war reconstruction but would need to address issues of corruption and terrorism funding. Despite these challenges, there is a sense of cautious optimism about the PA’s potential to reassert control over Palestinian territories.
In conclusion, the PA’s opposition to Hamas presents a unique opportunity for the organization to engage in diplomatic discussions and shape the future of the region. As tensions continue to simmer in the West Bank and Gaza, the PA remains a key player in the quest for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
