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Practical steps to end internal discord with Hamas in Gaza: Fatah official

Xinhua, April 13, 2017 Adjust font size:

A senior official in Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah Party said on Thursday there are contacts with the Hamas Movement to soon initiate practical steps toward ending 10 years of internal Palestinian discord in Gaza.

"We cannot wait until we hurt our own national cause ourselves. As Palestinian people and leaders, we must cooperate to end this tragedy," senior Fatah member Azzam al-Ahmad told the official "Voice of Palestine" Radio.

He added that everyone agrees on implementing "what we agreed upon by forming a unity government with extended full authority over the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in accordance with the law."

Al-Ahmad, who leads the Fatah Party dialogue with Hamas, pointed out that all the Gaza Strip's problems, whether material, moral or political, "can only finish by ending the anxious chasm."

Regarding the Fatah members' meeting with Hamas representatives in Gaza, Al-Ahmad said that contacts are in place and several delegates are present in Gaza and it is not just merely a visit.

He stressed that "we want decisive and clear guarantees and not to waste time networking nor in meetings."

On Wednesday, Hamas welcomed the anticipated Fatah delegation scheduled visit to the Gaza Strip early next week in order to launch discussions regarding putting an end to the internal Palestinian division, which has lasted for 10 years.

Salah al-Bardawil, a senior Hamas member told reporters that Hamas welcomes any delegation in Gaza and clarified that the Fatah movement includes and involves Palestinians.

Fatah's central committee said on Saturday that a liaison committee was formed to discuss with Hamas final solutions regarding recent steps taken by the Islamic movement in the Gaza Strip.

The Central Committee said after meeting with President Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah that the newly-formed committee will promptly discuss perspectives and final solutions with Hamas, with a deadline set for April 25. Endit