Now that the offensive is over, we have the right to write bitterly about what we have seen and heard with respect to the tragedies of the "heinous" Israeli war on the Gazans, especially since the uncontrollable inter-Palestinian verbal battle has returned to the television screens and newspapers even prior to the end of the war.

We should not have uttered a single word, so as not to weaken the morale, frustrate the resistance, and divide the nation. Hamas raises the slogan of victory over the "illusion" of some Arabs, and declares a victory over Israel, as alleged by Khaled Mashaal, and Ismail Haniyeh too, earlier.

It is not true that 1,300 Palestinians were killed, mostly women and children. It is not true either that 5,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, were left injured, if not disabled. It is also falsely alleged that hospitals and houses are crammed up with people left maimed by the "flagrant" Israeli war. In other words, we are "liars," while the Hamas men are honest!

Funds should not be handed in to the Palestinian Authority deemed "corrupt" in the words of Mashaal. They must rather be entrusted to Haniyeh for them to be "useful." They must be preferably delivered with a bouquet of flowers and a message of support for every action and reaction by Hamas.

How eager we were to hear Mashaal herald imminent rapprochement, not estrangement; reconciliation, and not compromise, between Fatah, Hamas and all the Palestinian factions. How eager we were to hear him voice his willingness to carry out a national role, one that would unite all Palestinians - as President Abbas should have announced publicly from the start.

In front of all the satellite channels he gathered for his press conference in Damascus, Mashaal, in total disregard of the bereaved mothers and the displaced Gazans, described the previous disputes as an "episode" of new rivalries and evoked the "victory of the resistance" after thousands of Gazans were displaced, killed, and injured. Hence, Mashaal dashed all hopes that he would rise above differences and announce a true Palestinian victory that draws closer the sons of the same cause and destiny.

If Fatah is to be accused of treason and publicly called to account, evidence must be produced to the Arab League and the concerned countries to corroborate Mashaal's accusations that Fatah and the PA are "corrupt, engaged in security coordination with Israel against the resistance." Can victory be claimed if only a few resistant fighters are killed? Can't resistance be equated with the afflicted Palestinian people, the owner of the occupied territories? Khaled Mashaal insists on separating Gaza from the West Bank, as if he wants to humiliate his own people before his enemy!

For his part, Yasser Abed Rabbo, the Secretary of the PLO Executive Committee, hurled endless accusations at Hamas' men. He went too far in accusing Hamas of implementing a "separatist project" in Gaza and stealing the relief material coming to the strip to sell it later on. These accusations also need clear proofs.

With no doubt, steadfastness means victory. Hamas has declared victory even before awaiting the outcome of the battle. Hamas might be entitled to do so in order to raise the spirits of the resistance and the Gazans. But Mashaal does not have the right to outbid the wounds of the Palestinians; he does not live among them to feel their pain and tragedy. After all, doesn't he know that the houses are filled with wounds, cries, bereaved mothers, and widows, while many people are left homeless after their houses were demolished?

Those who oppose this point of view will say that no people under occupation can gain independence and restore their dignity and occupied lands without further sacrifices and martyrs. This is true. But wars require appropriate circumstances, a certain level of military preparedness, and knowledge of the enemy's weaknesses. No side must engage in a war amidst divisions and internal disagreements.

We did not triumph. I know that many people will foam, only because the truth does not meet their wishes, feelings and allegations. Our problem is that we are an emotional people, driven by our emotions and sentiments from one sea to another. We elude the truth as we dance to the rhythm of virtual allegations and claims. Why don't the Palestinians rise above their differences and relinquish their rivalries for the sake of their cause and people? Haven't you noticed that the reconstruction of Gaza has ignited new conflicts between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, at a time when the Arabs are trying to heal their wounds, settle their differences and prepare for a new phase of inter-Arab relations, one that brings forth unity instead of partition?

The Arabs are neither in favor of Fatah, nor Hamas. But their hearts ache for the Palestinian pains and frustration. Palestinian leaders only cater for their narrow interests and gains at the expense of the miserable people. Gaza's battle has ended. It has not. The firewood was extinguished. It was not. Certainly, more battles are raging among the Palestinians themselves than between the Palestinians and the Israelis.