Internal Fatah rifts surface after senior leader backs Hamas

Recent remarks by senior Fatah leader Azzam al-Ahmad supporting Hamas have created significant controversy and exposed deep internal divisions within his party. Al-Ahmad rejected labeling Hamas a terrorist organization and opposed calls for the group to be disarmed, stating they are part of the Palestinian national movement. His comments drew criticism from Fatah members, highlighting a long-standing rift between the two rival factions that has intensified since the war on Gaza. Analysts believe the controversy reflects internal disagreements over Fatah's strategy for engaging with Hamas.