Egyptian delegation in Gaza to oversee reconciliation deal

CAIRO - 1 October 2017: An Egyptian delegation arrived in Gaza on Sunday to inspect the security situation in the region, in light of the efforts to achieve a reconciliation deal between Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas.

The Egyptian security delegation is headed by Hazem Khairat, Egypt's ambassador to Israel, accompanied by generals Hamam Abu-Zeid and Sameh Kamel, according to the Palestinian Maan News Agency. They were received by the head of Palestinian group, Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh.

The delegation is set to oversee the execution of the Palestinian reconciliation deal and the power transfer to the Palestinian unity government.

Palestinian Culture Minister Ehab Bessaiso also arrived in the Gaza Strip on Sunday; and Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah is expected to make his first visit to Gaza since 2015 on Monday, to meet with Hamas leaders and hold a government meeting.

Hamas movement had announced on September 17 the dissolution of the administrative committee at Gaza Strip, inviting the Government of National Reconciliation to assume its duties and hold general elections. The movement affirmed it would comply with the Social Reconciliation Accord signed with Fatah in 2011, in Cairo.