On April 27th, ATFP Advocacy Director Ghaith Al-Omari took part at the University of Maryland Israel-Palestine Symposium organized by University of Maryland School of Public Policy, Saul Stern Professorship of Civic Engagement and Gildenhorn Center for Israel Studies.

In his first talk, Mr. Al-Omari addressed the “Domestic Dysfunction in the Israel-Palestine Conflict”. He discussed the domestic challenges facing the various actors in the Palestinian polity. He focused on the challenges posed by the ideology and practices of Hamas, the fragmentation and slow adaptability of Fatah, and the lack of political structures identified with Prime Minister Fayyad.

In his second presentation, Mr. Al-Omari focused on current developments whether in moving towards the resumption of negotiations or in advancing the state-building project of the Palestinian government. He stressed the need for both tracks to converge in order to achieve sustainable, stable peace. He also focused on the need for ending the blockade of Gaza in order to meet the humanitarian needs of the civilian population, strengthen the middle class and civil society and loosen Hamas’ grip on the Gaza Strip.