Fatah rejected a plan to build a seaport in the Gaza Strip as part of the Turkish deal to regain diplomatic relations with Israel, Arab48.com reported yesterday.
The group said that it rejects direct or indirect talks between Hamas and Israel regarding building a seaport and a safe passage under Israeli observation. Adding that this is a way through which Israel hopes to sustain internal Palestinian divisions and facilitate Israeli control over the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem.
Fatah spokesman Osama Al-Qawasmi called on Hamas to explain Israeli remarks that mutual talks are being held between the two sides.
“How could we explain the ongoing efforts being exerted to end the division and to hold a meeting in Doha, while Hamas is conducting secret talks with Israel?” Al-Qawasmi asked.
He insisted that the PLO is the legitimate and sole representative of the Palestinian people and any talks about a seaport or a safe passage must be conducted through it.
Fatah’s objection comes after reports regarding the advancement of Turkish-Israeli talks to regain diplomatic relations, which include an end of the Israeli siege on Gaza and building a floating seaport.
Sources said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s summit in Istanbul and told him he would brief his government about the talks with Israel.