Gaza gov't: Fatah leaders must apply to Hamas for Strip visit permits

Bethlehem - Ma'an - Interior Minister in the de facto government in Gaza Fathi Hammad announced new regulations for Fatah members intending to visit the Strip during a Friday announcement.

Henceforth, Hammad said, Fatah leaders will need a permit issued by the Gaza government before they are allowed to enter the Hamas-controlled area.

The announcement follows controversy after the death of former Fatah strongman in Gaza Muhammad Dahlan's mother on 18 January. Dahlan left Gaza shortly before the Hamas takeover, and refused to return for his mother's funeral, saying he would not enter Gaza while it was under Hamas control. He further accused the de facto government of using his mother's death for political gains, after officials invited him into Gaza to attend the ceremony.

A move by Fatah leaders shortly after the death of Dahlan's mother further heightened tensions. Leaders announced a delegation would be sent to Gaza in order to repair the image of Fatah in the Strip, prompting the mayor of the central Strip governorate, Abu Samhadaneh, to say publicly that "Gaza is not a hotel where one can come and go as one pleases."

Shamhadaneh accused Fatah of playing at Palestinian nationalism, jabbing in particular at the Fatah members who fled the Strip, "This is not nationalism; nationalism is when we commit and stick to our places and we don't leave, no matter the consequences," he said. The mayor called on Fatah members to either return to the Strip or stay out permanently.

In his Friday statement, Hammad said the government would likely allow the return of Fatah leaders into Gaza if they apply for a permit.

"We don’t mind the visit of anyone to Gaza and we welcome all those who want to come to Gaza but a permit should be applied and dates and deadlines should be kept in consideration," he added.