Internal tension within the Palestinian community, notably between Islamic groups and secular Palestinian figures, is mounting - evidenced by the killing of Hisham Mekki, the Palestinian television magnate whose assassins justify his death on account of his corruption. Sentiments are on the rise against corruption amongst Palestinian Authority officials as well, which has executed persons that it identified as collaborators with the Israeli occupation forces - although there is growing suspicion as to whether they were fairly tried or not. As some civilians have started taking the law into their own hands, the PA's ability to fill the political vacuum and to set priorities in the best interest of the Palestinian national identity, as opposed to their own, is highly questionable. A sense of pessimism over the future of the peace process is escalating. There is a state of apprehension and fear, heightened anxiety on the street.
People feel that the future is bleak.
The other factor that could affect the peace talks is the role of the Arab countries and their support to the Intifadah. It is still unclear whether the upcoming summit in March will deliver any leverage to the Palestinians' rights. The previous summit held in October of last year in Egypt resulted only in financial support for the Palestinians, seen then as the minimum action that should be taken. IDB officials are still waiting for Israeli permission to be admitted, and members of the Amman committee which was set up to follow through on the delivery of the funds are still debating on how to ensure the money gets there. Meanwhile, those countries that are carrying the major burden of the assistance are hesitant to deliver, doubting the PA officials because of rumors of corruption.