Ensuring a meaningful unity requires a serious engagement in restructuring and reinventing the Palestinian political system, structures, and institutions.
It also means an agreement on the political programme, tools and objectives that are inclusive and participatory in nature.
Unless there are effective accountability mechanisms, the Palestinian people – especially with their continuous marginalisation in their political system – are excused to remain sceptical about the reconciliation deja vu.
The path for Palestinian unity is clear, but it requires strong political will and sacrifices. Last month’s series of meetings provided a golden opportunity for the Palestinian political leaders to shape a new reality.
The question remains: will they really seize the opportunity this time round?
Published at Al-Jazeera English, 19 January 2017
Alaa Tartir, Program Director of Al-Shabaka, Engaged Scholar, Global Citizen 