Is Abbas turning his back on Egypt?
▻http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/12/palestinian-abbas-egypt-hamas-dahlan-relations.html
President Abbas announced on several occasions his rejection of any interference in Palestinian affairs. In a speech at Fatah’s seventh congress on Nov. 30, Abbas said, “We confirm our categorical rejection of any interference in our internal affairs and preserve our national and independent decision,” thus reaffirming statements he had made in September that "no one can dictate positions or decisions to us.”
“We make and implement our own decisions, and no one can exercise any power over us,” he added.
Abbas’ statements were reportedly aimed at Egypt, given the latter’s close relationship with Dahlan. This prompted the Egyptian Youm7 newspaper to fiercely attack Abbas in September and even accuse him of “political dementia and dancing on the bodies of Palestinians.”
In light of the dispute between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Egypt, Cairo seemed more open to Hamas and the Dahlan bloc, allowing Dahlan’s supporters to hold meetings on Egyptian territory. This support can also be seen in Egypt’s more frequent openings of the Rafah land crossing with Gaza, most recently on Dec. 17 for three days, a week after it was opened Dec. 10. Add to this Cairo’s declaration of humanitarian support to the Gaza Strip.
Read more: ▻http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/12/palestinian-abbas-egypt-hamas-dahlan-relations.html#ixzz4Ter5mkZG