Abbas attacks Hamas but says resistance still an option

Alongside his attacks on Hamas for 'splitting the nation' Abbas was forced to make noises in the direction of 'armed resistance', as Fatah members and supporters ask what has been gained from Abbas's collaboration with Israel and its western backers.

By Mohammed Assadi

BETHLEHEM, West Bank, Aug 4 (Reuters) - President Mahmoud Abbas opened his Fatah movement's first conference in 20 years on Tuesday, saying Palestinians sought peace with Israel but "resistance" would stay an option.

"Although peace is our choice, we reserve the right to resistance, legitimate under international law," the Western-backed Abbas said in a policy speech, using a term that encompasses armed confrontation as well as non-violent protests.

Officials said a draft of Fatah's new programme called for new forms of resistance such as civil disobedience against Jewish settlement expansion and a West Bank barrier Israel says is for security but which Palestinians see as a land grab.

Crucially, the draft leaves open the option of "armed struggle" if peace talks with Israel fail and does not rule out a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood in the West Bank and Gaza Strip if peace negotiations remain at a stalemate.

A spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would be no immediate comment on the speech.

more at Reuters

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