Palestinian consensus government takes office next week

CAIRO – 24 September 2017: The secretary of Fatah Central Committee, Jibril Rajoub, suggested on Sunday that the Palestinian consensus government is expected to take office in Gaza Strip next week.

Rajoub said that the date will be announced after the leadership meeting next Sunday evening due to external appointments of Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah on Wednesday and Thursday, and the closure of the crossings due to Jewish holidays over the weekend.

Rajoub pointed out that the leadership will continue its meetings on Sunday and Monday to discuss developments of the reconciliation process, indicating a meeting held by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas with the prime minister on Saturday.

He also expressed his hope that the consensus government would be able to take office and carry out its duties in Gaza without any interference or obstacles from Hamas. Then the implementation of the reconciliation accord can be carried out in order to end the division.

The Hamas movement announced on Sunday the dissolving of the administrative committee at Gaza Strip, inviting the Government of National Reconciliation to assume its duties and hold general elections.

The move was met with international praise as part of efforts of inter-Palestine reconciliation. The movement affirmed that it would comply with the Social Reconciliation Accord signed with Fatah in 2011.