Haniyeh: Hamas to maintain security in Gaza after reconciliation

The prime minister of the Hamas-led government in the Gaza Strip, Ismail Haniyeh, announced on Thursday that Hamas will provide security and stability in the enclave even after dismantling the government and forming a new consensus government with rival Al-Fatah movement in the West Bank under the latest reconciliation agreement.

During a police graduation ceremony in Deir Al-Balah city, central Gaza Strip, Alamat Online news website quoted Haniyeh as saying: “The reconciliation agreement will not allow the return of security chaos to Gaza under any circumstances.”

The premier noted that Hamas will also not allow the PA’s security agencies to continue their political arrests of the movement’s members in the West Bank, while Palestinians in Gaza enjoy all freedoms, including political activism.

“The reconciliation should set up a new phase, in which liberties are safeguarded in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip,” he said.

Haniyeh pointed out that the Hamas-led government in Gaza had succeeded to restore security to the enclave by rebuilding the police organisation.

He stressed that his movement has agreed to dismantle the government in the Gaza Strip in order to end the divisions – which will serve the Palestinian cause.

Haniyeh also said that Hamas and Al-Fatah have agreed on the details and implementation schedule for the reconciliation.

The prime minister reassured the movement’s security personnel that the agreement will not violate their rights or overshadow their years of service.

Haniyeh expressed hope that the Palestinian security institution “will work on the basis of partnership” under the one Palestinian leadership.