Hamas and Fatah have remained in contact since the occupation of Gaza, through intermediaries. But this was the first time they officially returned to the negotiating table. This agreement does not set a framework for further negotiations in stone. However, Fatah and Hamas already seem to agree on a few important points. First, they agree to return to the situation before Hamas controlled Gaza and form a national government. Furthermore, they agree on the release of prisoners and the creation of a non-partisan security force for the Palestinian Authority (which is currently controlled by Fatah). Lastly, Fatah agreed to refrain from using the phrase “coup d’état” when referring to Hamas’ control of Gaza, which is a very important reversal.

I think the agreement will have consequences for all players involved in the Palestinian conflict. For Hamas, the future is bright. They showed that the peace process can only move forward if they are included in the negotiations. And, if they give up direct control of Gaza, their position within the national government will improve. For Fatah, there are pluses and minuses. The party showed that it is in tune with the Palestinian people, who want a resolution to the crisis. But the agreement is a blow to its leadership, who had adopted a hard line policy towards Hamas. It particularly weakens Mahmoud Abbas, who had accused Hamas of mounting a “coup d’état.” Abbas is a man with many titles: Palestinian Authority president, head of Fatah, and chairman of the PLO. In this sense he represents all Palestinians; but at the same time, he has always been the leader of partisan groups. He is likely to lose the support of Fatah’s executive committee. Thus, I think Abbas will be replaced by Marwan Barghouti if he is released by the Israelis.

This agreement will also impact foreign players involved in the Palestinian crisis. Israel was happy to see Palestinians divided - it allowed them to negotiate by force. It will also be difficult for the European Union, which has taken a hard position against Hamas and will have to back-off. On the other hand, I think the United States is satisfied because it believes that the peace process can only move forward if Fatah and Hamas are allied. And they know that even if Israel takes an uncompromising position towards Hamas, the Jewish state will need to take the negotiations seriously. Lastly, I think the entire Arab world wins because the war between the two Palestinian parties put them in an uncomfortable position. Moreover, it is an Arab country – Yemen – that is at the center of this progress. The Arab League will most certainly claim credit for the agreement.

Hamas and Fatah have taken a great step forward. I think this agreement can resolve the current situation and restart the peace process".