Abbas plans ‘unprecedented steps’ on West Bank-Gaza split

Speaking to Arab ambassadors in Bahrain, Abbas expressed shock at Hamas’s decision to form an administrative committee to run affairs in Gaza.

By ADAM RASGON
Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas arrives to delivers a speech during the United Nations Human Rights Council on February 27, 2017 in Geneva (photo credit: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP)
Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas arrives to delivers a speech during the United Nations Human Rights Council on February 27, 2017 in Geneva
(photo credit: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP)
The Palestinian Authority is making imminent plans to take “unprecedented steps” regarding the split between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, President Mahmoud Abbas said on Wednesday.
Speaking to Arab ambassadors in Bahrain, Abbas expressed shock at Hamas’s decision to form an administrative committee to run affairs in Gaza.
“After 10 years in which we sent financial support to our people in Gaza, we were surprised by this unprecedented step,” he said, referring to the newly formed Hamas committee. “Thus, we will take unprecedented steps regarding the split.”
Hamas announced in March the formation of an administrative committee to govern Gaza.
Even before that action, Hamas dominated Gaza, while the PA had extremely limited control there.
A number of PA and PLO officials on Thursday said they did not know what Abbas was planning.
Tensions grew between the Fatah-dominated PA and Hamas this past week, as both sides accused the other of neglecting Gaza.