A new rumor has erupted, that Hamas will declare Gaza to be independent if the new PA government does not include Hamas representation.
According to an unnamed source, if the PA unilaterally declares a new government, "Hamas will not recognize it and will be obliged to take firm and decisive action to ensure the stability of the Gaza Strip administratively and politically," meaning it will cut all ties to the PA and seek independence.
This is highly unlikely. Hamas would have no support or legitimacy, unlike a few years ago when Iran, Egypt and Turkey were wholeheartedly behind the group and supported it financially.
But it does show how paranoid Fatah is about Hamas and how little influence it has in Gaza.
