Palestinian factions in Gaza convene in emergency meeting

Palestinian parties from across the political spectrum convened in Gaza City for an emergency meeting called for by the Islamic movement Hamas.

The meeting was called for in order to discuss the crises facing the coastal enclave, including the issue of electricity and the civil servants dispute.

As a result of the discussion, two committees were formed. One committee is charged with overseeing the implementation of the reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah and the other committee is charged with supervising the reconstruction of Gaza.

During the meeting it was agreed that all parties rejected the United Nations mechanism dealing with Gaza’s reconstruction. The Strip sustained wide scale damage during Israel’s assault over the summer.

The mechanism addresses Israel’s concerns that cement and other materials could be used to rebuild Hamas tunnels by setting up a UN monitoring mechanism of the imports, however many accuse it of creating a new restrictive monitoring regime.

An April 23 agreement between Hamas and Fatah paved the way for the formation of a government of national unity for the first time in seven years. Critics have noted that the unity government, the success of which has been marred by internal disputes and other barriers, has made few changes in Gaza and failed to help with reconstruction following the recent bombardment.

The need to hold the unity government responsible for the economic situation in the Gaza Strip was stressed during the meeting.

Images by MEMO Photographer Mohammed Asad.