The consecration of the “Peace Council” and its formations as a reference carries serious risks

In the current stage, a dangerous problem emerges concerning the nature of political authority in the Gaza Strip, as what is called the “Peace Council” and its various formations are gradually being consecrated as a self-standing authority, in clear contradiction with the foundations of the Palestinian political system, which is based on unity of representation and unity of national decision.The referral of authority abroad, or linking it to international roles, whatever their nature, constitutes a worrying slide that affects the essence of independent national decision and the essence of the Palestinian cause as a national liberation issue, and opens the door to reshaping the Palestinian reality according to considerations that do not stem from the comprehensive national will, but from external balances and pressures. The international role, despite its importance, cannot be a substitute for national authority, nor a cover for evading direct responsibilities towards our people, especially in light of the catastrophic conditions in the Gaza Strip.In this context, it must be emphasized that dealing with these bodies, under any pretext, involves a clear political risk, as it grants them, even indirectly, legitimacy not based on genuine national consensus, and contributes to consecrating a parallel institutional reality that weakens the Palestinian political structure instead of strengthening it. This may lead to transforming the transitional phase from a temporary situation into a permanent reality, which contradicts the central goal of ending the division and restoring the unity of the Palestinian political system, and may even entrench a long-term separation under external umbrellas and support, with all its repercussions on the unity of land, people, and cause.Moreover, the most dangerous aspect of this path is not limited to the political dimension, but extends to the societal and economic dimensions, where urgent livelihood issues turn into tools of pressure and blackmail, and crises are managed instead of being resolved, thus exacerbating people's suffering and deepening the state of confusion and loss of trust in institutions.The suffering of our people in the Gaza Strip cannot tolerate further fragmentation of authorities or exchange of roles between this party and that, nor the transformation of livelihood issues into tools in the context of crisis management instead of resolving them. What is required today is to restore consideration for the comprehensive national authority within the framework of the Palestine Liberation Organization, as the legitimate representative, and to activate its role in a way that reunifies political decision and ensures that efforts are directed towards ending the division instead of entrenching it.In conclusion, what we are witnessing is not a fleeting detail, but a path that must be stopped by a clear national decision. Therefore, responsibility dictates rejecting any consecration of parallel authorities, firmly adhering to the unity of Palestinian representation, and working immediately to end the division without stubbornness, as this is the only way to protect the national cause and preserve the rights of our people. *Member of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian People's Party