Palestinians' recent unity is unprecedented since 1948: politician

CAIRO – 2 June 2021: Secretary General of the National Palestinian Initiative Mostafa al-Barghouthi stated Tuesday in a phone-in that Palestinians' unity against the Israeli aggression in May is unprecedented since the declaration of the Israeli sate in 1948 expressing hope such unity will extend to Palestinian factions.

The Palestinian politician said Egypt deployed massive efforts to achieve a ceasefire between the Palestinians and the Israelis, and to stabilize such truce. The politician also highlighted that Egypt is working diligently to unify Palestinians and accomplish reconstruction. He noted that after Egypt had committed $500 million to the reconstruction of Gaza, other states were encouraged to follow suit.

Barghouthi pointed out that Egypt is tackling different aspects of the Palestinian Cause. For instance, in addition to the aforementioned, Egypt is brokering an exchange of captives deal between the Israelis and the Palestinians.  

A Palestinian ministerial delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister Zeyad Abou Amr met with Egyptian Chief of General Intelligence Directorate Abbas Kamel in Gaza Strip to examine reconstruction and will hold further talks in Cairo over mechanisms, and vision.

Palestinian Minister of Social Development Ahmed al-Magdalani made the statement Tuesday in a phone-in as the Egyptian delegation headed by Kamel concluded its visit to Gaza after conferring over stabilizing the ceasefire and embarking on reconstruction.

The Palestinian minister added that since the ceasefire began on May 21, the National Committee for Reconstruction has been determining the damages incurred by the Israeli aggression against Gaza Strip. He noted that the damage is not exclusive to buildings but extends to infrastructure and agriculture either.

Magdalani said that the committee will set priorities and present them in Cairo deliberations. For instance, sectors such as water supply, electricity, and roads will be rehabilitated first.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi directed Tuesday rapidly sending equipment necessary for reconstruction in Gaza Strip.