BICOM

The Palestinian Authority (PA) President has issued an ultimatum to Hamas rulers, demanding they hand over control of Gaza or risk their funding and supply of essential amenities being cut.

The measures aim to punish Hamas for turning down Abbas’s initiatives to restore PA control of Gaza; PA sources indicate that “this time Abbas is serious,” and is “unwilling to allow Hamas to continue to play games and drag its feet. It can either hand over authority in Gaza to us, or take responsibility and start to pay.”

The PA has reportedly already cut 30 per cent of its funding to Gaza, in a move that affects salaries, the supply of water, electricity and other civilian services. If the latest threat is carried out, it would lead to further deterioration of the energy crisis in Gaza. Abbas is also reportedly demanding “boots on the ground” for PA forces inside Gaza.

This latest confrontation has the potential to lead to the complete separation of the West Bank, controlled by Abbas, and the coastal strip, which is ruled by Hamas. However, it’s unclear how Hamas will respond to the ultimatum.  It may look for alternative funding sources from Qatar or Turkey, or try to extricate itself from the crisis by launching attacks on Israel.

Abbas is planning to hold consultations with Palestinian Prime Minister in the coming days to discuss further sanctions against Hamas.