Egypt to Host Palestinian Factions Next Week

Arab World

June 2nd, 7:17am

Ramallah - Kifah Zboun

Saleh Abdel Ahad, representative of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, speaking during the Palestinian National Dialogue hosted by Egypt's General Intelligence Service. (AFP)

Palestinian factions are gearing up for a comprehensive national dialogue in Egypt next week to develop a roadmap on the formation of a national unity government that will oversee the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. The deputy leader of Fatah movement, Mahmoud al-Aloul, confirmed that Egypt will send invitations for the talks in Cairo, but the exact date has not been set yet. Aloul reiterated the importance of the Egyptian role in ensuring the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas movement, national reconciliation and dialogue, and the reconstruction of Gaza. Later, Egyptian state television announced that the meetings will be held next week under the auspices of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. During his visit to Ramallah and Gaza last week, the Egyptian General Intelligence Service chief, Abbas Kamel, agreed with Abbas and Palestinian officials along with leaders of Hamas and the Palestinian factions to launch a comprehensive national dialogue in Cairo. Egypt wants to achieve Palestinian unity, leading to a comprehensive truce in the Palestinian territories, which would allow the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the launch of a new political process. The central committee met on Monday and lauded the steadfastness and sacrifices of people in the Gaza Strip, stressing the need for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians. It called for the reconstruction of the enclave as soon as possible under the supervision of the Palestinian National Authority. Abbas informed Kamel that he is ready to form a national unity government with a top priority to supervise the reconstruction of the impoverished territory, political sources told Asharq Al-Awsat. According to the sources, the US, Israel, Egypt, the EU, and the UN want the Authority, rather than Hamas, to establish an international mechanism for receiving the funds and supervising reconstruction. They also want to ensure understandings that guarantee long-term stability in the Strip. In a press conference in central Gaza, EU representative in Palestine Sven Kuehn von Burgsdorff asserted it was necessary to stabilize the ceasefire. The official called for finding a political solution for the situation in the Strip, noting that the reconstruction of Gaza should involve several stages, including an elected Palestinian government and the lifting of the 15-year-old Israeli blockade. Burgsdorff stressed conducting "democratic elections in Palestine." He said that the European Union, the World Bank, and international institutions are undertaking an assessment of the damages and will do their utmost to ensure urgent assistance in terms of food, water, electricity, and shelter, referring to the previously announced grant of about 34 million euros to support the Gaza Strip. The form of this cabinet and the extent of its international commitments will be discussed during the upcoming talks in Cairo, which will be a test for the success of the efforts exerted to achieve national unity, begin the reconstruction of the Strip, and launch a political process.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3004956/egypt-host-palestinian-factions-next-week