Hamas praises Egypt’s Intelligence Chief’s mediation efforts

CAIRO – 3 October 2017: “We congratulate the Palestinian people for the ‘historic visit’ paid by Palestinian Prime Minister Ramy Hamdallah, who received Gaza’s administration portfolios on Monday,” Hamas stated in a statement released Tuesday.

The statement expressed Hamas’ sincere wishes to end the internal dispute between Palestinian factions under the auspices of the Egyptian authorities, adding its readiness to open a new leaf with Fatah.

“Hamas is looking forward to continuing the reconciliation steps commenced via bilateral talks that shall be held in Cairo soon, upon the Cairo Deal signed in 2011,” Hamas’ statement read.

Hamas praised the Egyptian mediation efforts and welcomed the Egyptian General Intelligence Directorate Chief Khaled Fawzy’s supervision.

Fawzy is expected to head to the Gaza Strip within the coming hours after meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to oversee the implementation of the reconciliation agreement signed between Hamas and Fatah in Cairo, in September.

Hamas’ movement had announced on September 17 the dissolution of the administrative committee at the 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 in 2011.

Earlier, Palestinian President Abbas said that there is no other country as vital to the Palestinian cause as Egypt due to its historical and political position in the region. “Egypt has an opinion, a position and an interest in the Palestinian cause,” said Abbas.