Egypt’s efforts are basis for Palestinian unity, reconciliation: Fatah official

CAIRO – 3 October 2017: Positivity marked the past few days when Palestinian unity was finally restored by Egyptian authorities’ efforts, Fatah deputy leader Mahmoud al-Aloul said in a statement on Tuesday.

Those Egyptian efforts are the “fundamental basis” of the current Palestine reconciliation, Aloul continued.

“We insist on doing our best to succeed in reconciling with Hamas. To that end, very firm instructions were issued to all Fatah members and leaders to ensure this success,” Aloul stated in his statement.

He described the current reconciliation process as “not an easy one; however, we are going to do our best to continue with the process as it should be,” he added.

Aloul noted that the past division between the Palestinian factions harmed their country and affected its cause. “All the foreign powers and agreements used this division as an excuse to not take positive steps towards our case,” he said.

Talking about the reconciliation agreement signed between Hamas and Fatah in Cairo last September, Aloul affirmed that it fulfilled all of the two parties’ demands, as “Hamas leaders showed commitment and positive intentions regarding the reconciliation.”

Furthermore, Aloul accused several powers and governments of using the Palestinian division for their own gain. “The case was never easy. Restoring the country’s unity is a Palestinian interest and no negotiations can take place before achieving it,” he said.