Mohammed Dahlan, former Fatah strongman in the Gaza Strip, called on Sunday for a referendum in the Palestinian territories, stating that most Palestinians would support a peaceful settlement with Israel if given the chance.
Speaking at a conference organized by the International Institute for Strategic studies, a UK-based organisation, Dahlan argued that the current split of control in the Palestinian territories should be viewed as an opportunity to further the peace process, rather than a reason to delay any future negotiated settlement.
“What happened in Gaza should not be seen as an excuse to evade the peace process,” the former security advisor stated, adding that he believed “70 percent” of all Palestinians would support a peace settlement with Israel if given the chance to vote in a referendum.
Dahlan came under intense criticism for his role in the fall of Fatah in the Gaza Strip in June. He eventually resigned from his post, citing health problems as his reason for leaving office.
