The EU confirmed their designation of the Al Aqsa Brigades as a terror group only this past July.
Yet they are part of Fatah which is headed by PLO head and PA president Mahmoud Abbas.
To be sure, there are offshoots of the group, and no central command. However, one of them this week - on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Fatah's first terror attack - confirmed that they are loyal to Mahmoud Abbas and abide by his decisions.
They are openly recruiting new members, according to this video released in November.
The Al Aqsa Brigades have been known to hold parades even the West Bank openly displaying their weapons, that someone has to pay for - and in the West Bank, the money trail must lead back to Mahmoud Abbas.
Yet for all the hundreds of hours that the US and EU have spent in talks, has anyone ever demanded that Abbas dismantle these terror groups that are loyal to him? Has it ever become a condition for continued aid?
It is one of those issues that everyone knows about yet no one wants to publicize, presumably not to embarrass our wonderful "peace partner" who condones the terrorist group operating under his rule and probably with his funds.
It is touching, how considerate the West is not to openly call out Mahmoud Abbas on his open violation of agreements and his role in keeping a terror organization funded and operational. But it doesn't exactly advance the cause of peace that they pay lip-service to.