GAZA CITY (Ma’an) -- The Doha agreement signed on Monday by President Abbas and Hamas chief Khalid Mashaal has been welcomed and criticized in equal measure by politicians and analysts.
Hamas official Ismail al-Ashqar told Ma'an that the agreement "contradicted basic Palestinian law and overstepped the Palestinian Legislative Council."
He urged President Abbas to take serious steps to implement the Cairo agreement as a whole, rather than being selective about which articles to implement.
“Hamas has shown flexibility and credibility about reconciliation, leaving aside partial and private interests. The ball is now in President Abbas’ court and he needs to take practical steps, stop security measures in the West Bank and halt negotiations and security coordination with the Israelis,” he added.
Political analyst from Bethlehem Akram Atallah said the Doha agreement was a positive step as it reflected a goal most Palestinians want to achieve.
“The Doha agreement is important because it helps translate the Cairo agreement into action,” he told Ma’an.
When basic laws contradict with national interests, the laws must be set aside, Atallah said, when asked about any legal controversy over the agreement.
Political analyst Mustafa Sawwaf, however, criticized the legality of the Doha agreement, saying it is "null because Palestinian basic law does not authorize the president to be prime minister at the same time."
“I believe this agreement will not see the light, nor will it be translated into action. I am afraid it was signed just to show courtesy to the emir of Qatar,” he added.
Fatah leader President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas chief-in-exile Khalid Mashaal signed an agreement in Doha on Monday which stipulated that Abbas will head an interim government.
The accord also included agreements on releasing political prisoners, reforming the Palestinian National Council and activating the PLO for the next elections, Palestine TV said.
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