EXCLUSVE: Fatah leader to Egypt Today: Egypt played pivotal role in reconciliation

CAIRO – 12 October 2017: In exclusive statements to Egypt Today, Fatah Leader Azzam Al-Ahmad said that Egypt played a pivotal role in ending the division between Palestinian factions, as it reconciled the Palestinian community.

He emphasized that it was important to end divisions and reconcile in order to concentrate on the Palestinian cause, as it should be the primary focus now.


Members of Palestinian rival parties ahead of press conference in Cairo to announce reconciliation deal - Photo by Essam el-Shamy

Ahmad said that the government will take over crossings in the beginning of November, and that it will work to resolve all issues in Gaza and the West Bank. He further emphasized that there will be full coordination to get over any problems or issues faced by the national government, and that the government will take over its responsibilities fully in the beginning of December. The step will come after reviewing all details and solutions to be undertaken in case any problems happen.

Ahmad stated that Fatah worked to achieve Palestinian reconciliation through endorsing all solutions agreed upon with Egypt, and that Fatah will continue to work in the future to implement the agreement with Egypt.


Members of Palestinian rival parties ahead of press conference in Cairo to announce reconciliation deal - Photo by Essam el-Shamy

He emphasized that Palestinian factions are now united, saying that “this motivates all of us to put Palestine first and work to achieve reconciliation, while maintaining the current positive atmosphere.” He said that all parties have done their best for the sake of this reconciliation, and now is the time to work.


Members of Palestinian rival parties ahead of press conference in Cairo to announce reconciliation deal - Photo by Essam el-Shamy

He emphasized that Egypt was capable of promoting the reconciliation, thanks to its power in creating equilibrium in the Middle East. Without Egypt, matters would have been difficult. Egypt is a regional power, with a handle on the issue and it works for the sake of the Palestinian cause, he emphasized.

Azzam thanked the Egyptian political leadership for efforts exerted in the Palestinian cause and ending the divisions.

Palestinian Ambassador to Egypt Gamal El Shobky told Egypt Today that Egypt exerted monumental efforts in reestablishing peace in Palestine, and ending the rift. “Egypt has worked very hard to bring all factions’ perspectives together and to remove any obstacles obstructing peaceful dialogue and solutions.”

The ambassador also clarified that Mahmoud Abbas’s instructions were very clear in regards to the necessity of having a holistic agreement that effectively ends the dispute and the rift between the Palestinian factions. Any partial agreement will hinder the Palestinian Consensus Government from undertaking its tasks properly.