Haneyya: Page of division turned over forever

Head of Hamas’s Political Bureau, Ismail Haneyya, on Tuesday expressed his confidence in the success of the reconciliation initiative, saying that his Movement has accepted Egypt’s invitation to hold a meeting in Cairo next Tuesday to discuss all of the reconciliation files.

Haneyya said in his speech during a luncheon in honor of the Palestinian Prime Minister and the Egyptian delegation in Gaza that Hamas did not go for reconciliation under any pressure, but the decision came from a sincere desire to defend the Palestinian cause.

He pointed out that reconciliation is not limited to Gaza, but it includes the West Bank and the rest of the Palestinian territories.

“This reconciliation is destined to succeed,” Haneyya stressed, adding, “This is the first step of many miles to go and we are confident the page of division has been turned over forever.”

For his part, Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said that Hamas is a strategic partner in this historic stage, praising the Movement’s efforts to make the reconciliation succeed.

Hamdallah added, “It’s time for our people to enjoy reconciliation and unity,” and noted that several committees will be formed to address the pending issues.