Hamas and Fatah: National unity government to be announced at the end of the week

Hamas and Fatah officials revealed on Tuesday morning that both parties have agreed on naming Rami Hamadallah to head the national unity government.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu-Zuhri said that after the arrival of Azzam Al-Ahmad the meeting held between Hamas and Fatah leaders was positive.

As-Sabeel newspaper quoted him as saying that “both sides agreed for Rami Hamadallah to head the government,” adding that, “the names of some ministers were also accepted.”

He explained that a meeting would be held on Tuesday at noon to continue the discussions.

For his part, Al-Ahmad confirmed what Abu-Zuhri said and also reiterated that so far issues related to security and civil servants had not yet been touched upon.

Al-Ahmad, who heads Fatah’s parliamentary bloc, arrived in Gaza on Monday evening. He was initially planning to arrive in Gaza early on Sunday, but his travel plans were postponed so that he could take part in receiving Pope Francis in the occupied West Bank.

Hamas and Fatah sources have repeatedly said that the national unity government would be announced later this week.