Gaza ministry says ready for unity cabinet visit

The Interior Ministry in the Gaza Strip said on Monday that it had been officially informed that the newly formed Palestinian national unity government would hold a meeting in the Gaza Strip on Thursday.

Interior Ministry undersecretary Kamal Abu Madi said his ministry made the necessary preparations for receiving government ministers in Gaza and offering them with the necessary protection.

Earlier on Monday, Palestinian Labor Minister Mamoun Abu Shahla said Israeli authorities had agreed to give Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah and other cabinet ministers permits to visit the blockaded Gaza Strip.

He added that the visit would take place on Thursday upon a promise by Israeli authorities to allow cabinet members to visit the Gaza Strip through Erez crossing.

Since its formation in June, Israel has never allowed members of the Palestinian unity government to visit the Gaza Strip.

Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation deal in April to heal seven years of divisions, ones that led to the presence of two separate governments in the West Bank and Gaza.

The deal has ushered in a unity government in June. The new government, however, has yet to assume political control of the Gaza Strip.