Meshaal: The internal Palestinian division has ended permanently

Head of Hamas political bureau Khaled Meshaal said on Tuesday that the era of Palestinian internal division has ended with no return and Palestinians are closer to a real reconciliation than ever.

Speaking at a gathering to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba (catastrophe), in Qatar’s capital Doha, Meshaal reaffirmed that his movement had offered much concessions to rival Fatah movement in order to achieve the reconciliation.

“We have turned the page on this division,” he said, “Hamas has already made sacrifices and this was necessary to be closer with Fatah.” He said that his movement is ready to offer more concessions.

Meshaal said that he knew about the obstacles facing the reconciliation, but insisted the reconciliation has to be achieved in order to get a stronger Palestinian body, which will be able to face the challenges posed by the Israeli occupation.

“I am aware that many real challenges lay ahead, said Meshaal. “We will not be able to achieve our goals without being united, therefore we must work hard to overcome our differences, offer continuous sacrifices and form a closer united front” Meshaal added.

Meanwhile, he called upon the security services of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank loyal to Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas to stop political detention of Hamas members. He also asked the journalists and writers to deal positively with the issue of the reconciliation.

In another matter, Meshaal denied Hamas interference in the internal affairs of any country. “We reiterate that we do not interfere in any state’s internal affairs and I stress that all accusations on this issue are false,” he said.