Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas met with representatives of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza on February 12, obtaining commitments from both groups to abide by the cease fire with Israel . During this cooling off period, the terrorist groups are to abide by the agreement made between Abbas (pictured right of Bush) and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (pictured left of Bush). Abbas also agreed to release Hamas funds that have been held in Palestinian banks for nine Hamas-associated charities. The charities include: the Al Nour Charity Association, the Islamic Young Women’s Association, Al Salah Association, the Social Care Committee, the Palestinian Student Friends Association, the Islamic Charity for Zakat, Al Mujamma Al Islami, Al Jamiya Al Islamiya and Al Aqsa Charity Association. Abbas also agreed to release the bank account of the late Hamas leader Sheikh Yassin.

Abbas also speculated that he might have to fire additional police and security commanders who did not get the message from his firing of nine senior police and security commanders in Gaza. Not only does Abbas have to get commitments from Hamas and Islamic Jihad but he also has to put into leadership positions individuals who will take the appropriate action and not turn a blind eye toward attacks on Israeli settlements in Gaza. According to TRC contacts in Gaza, the firing of the nine senior leaders will not be the last dismissals that Abbas will have to undertake. The next step for the Palestinians will be the release this week of Palestinian prisoners, and this should booster Abbas? position with Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Hamas continues to take steps in preparation for the July elections for the legislature. Hamas is favored in Gaza to win additional seats and hopefully will continue down the path toward becoming a political party instead of remaining a terrorist organization.

<