Palestinian reconciliation resumes as Hamas, Fatah meet in Cairo

CAIRO – 22 November 2017: Palestinian national authorities and factions met in Cairo on Nov. 21, 22 upon Egyptian invitation to resume talks between Fatah and Hamas to find a common ground on implementing the next step of their Egyptian-brokered reconciliation deal that was reached last month.

The meeting discussed the Palestinian situation on various aspects including deepening and boosting national unity and the threats that face the Palestinian case in light of an escalated Israeli aggression against Palestine’s authorities and people.

Key participants at the meeting showed much appreciation to Egypt, under the leadership of President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, for its significant role in the Palestinian case and its interest to achieve independence and stability and end schism in the Palestinian scene.

Participants also affirmed the importance of the Palestinian unity to support Palestinians’ claim for an independent Palestine that was occupied in 1967 with Jerusalem as its capital and the return of Palestinian refugees who got displaced following the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194 of December 1948.

Senior officials from both Fatah and Hamas said that all parties are committed to the reconciliation that was brokered by Egypt last month, saying this reconciliation ended decades-long disagreement between both parties.

The meeting highlighted the importance of exerting serious efforts in order to pave the way for the Palestinian government to start carrying out its responsibilities and duties to end the suffering of Palestinians and renovate the country.

The meeting reviewed mechanisms and aspects of ending the rift and facilitate the role of an independent Palestinian government on different levels.

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was recognized during the meeting as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.

Participants affirmed the importance of activating and developing PLO in accordance with the Palestinian Cairo Declaration of 2005.

The 2005 Palestinian Cairo Declaration sought reinforcement of the status of the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people through the participation of all forces and factions to it according to democratic principles.

Moreover, it was agreed during the meeting upon adhering to principles of the October 2017 Fatah and Hamas reconciliation to allow the government to carry out its responsibilities in the Gaza strip.

It was also agreed to invite the Freedoms Committee that was formed in accordance with the May 4, 2011 reconciliation to resume its works immediately in Gaza and the West Bank to ensure full freedom and rights for Palestine nationals.

The Palestinian Community Reconciliation Committee was also invited to resume its duties after providing it with all the facilitations required.

Palestinian factions also agreed to hold general elections by the end of 2018; according to the statement, the factions deferred the choice of a final date for the elections to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

It was also agreed during the talks that the Legislative Council must be activated to continue its ordinary duties.

Along with Hamas and Fatah, the smaller Palestinian parties also sent representatives to attend the talks, which were brokered by Egyptian intelligence.

Participants expressed their appreciation to Palestinian women and youth for their active and continuous role in the Palestinian struggle.

Factions also called all parties to halt the accusations and media attacks and to start spreading positivity and hope for achieve a Palestinian national unity.

At the end of talks, all factions agreed to continue the reconciliation talks next February in coordination with Egypt’s leadership.