Palestinian faction Fatah slams Qatari envoy’s ‘divisive remarks’ on Gaza

Fatah on Sunday condemned Qatari envoy Mohammed al-Emadi, head of the Qatari committee for the reconstruction of Gaza, for holding the Palestinian Authority partly responsible for the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and said these statements aim to strengthen the Palestinian divide.

“The political statements which the Qatari envoy made against President Mahmoud Abbas attempt to exploit the tragic situation in Gaza as he denies the support we provide to our people there and what we share with them,” Fatah said in a statement, adding that providing this aid was its duty.

Emadi, who was kicked out last week from a hospital in Gaza by the staff and public, recently said that if President Mahmoud Abbas gives Gaza, he’d gain a lot of popularity, adding that Abbas should try to gain people instead of being hostile to them. He added that “the Palestinian Authority, Egypt and Israel are to blame for the humanitarian situation in Gaza.”

Fatah also said that Emadi’s statements voice an “incomprehensible and offensive” stance towards the Palestinian Authority.

It called on him to retract these comments which harmonize “with campaigns that aim to strengthen divide and sow divisions among the Palestinians,” adding that Abbas “always seeks to provide for the people in Gaza like he does for other Palestinian areas, without any discrimination.”

“Gaza is a pillar of the Palestinian cause and there is a national responsibility towards it, just like the case is with other Palestinian areas. We realize the importance of restoring Gaza to Palestinian legitimacy and of not allowing anyone to hijack it and (treat it) like it’s no longer our responsibility which we are aware of more than anyone else,” it added.