UN envoy praises Egypt’s role in Fatah-Hamas agreements

CAIRO - 25 September 2017: Nikolay Mladenov, UN special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, praised Egypt’s role in the mediation that led to an understanding between Fatah and Hamas.

"The recent understandings between Fatah and Hamas would not have taken place without the important role of Egypt and Egyptian officials, and I thank them for what they have done," Mladenov said.

The envoy’s comments were made at a press conference after his visit to the Gaza Strip. Mladenov welcomed Hamas' decision to dissolve the administrative committee and call on the government to carry out its duties in the Gaza Strip. Mladenov deemed the step timely and important to stop the blockade on Gaza Strip.

According to Mladenov, the United Nations discussed a plan with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that entails that a UN delegation would supervise the assuming of government duties in the Gaza Strip, pointing out that the Palestinians went through 10 years of division, "so it is important not to miss this opportunity."

Last week, Hamas dissolved its administrative committee in the Gaza strip, and invited the government of national reconciliation to assume its duties and hold general elections, as per the 2011 Cairo Agreement between Fatah and Hamas. This was a move aiming to unify the Palestinian disputed parties.

Hamas’ movement came following indirect inter-Palestinian talks, brokered by Egypt.