The head of Hamas’s Political Bureau, Khaled Meshaal, has called for “real partnership [between Palestinian factions] in political, military and security” decisions ahead of several meetings of the Palestinian National Council to choose new members of the PLO executive committee, Alkhaleejonline.net reported on Monday.
In a meeting in Doha, Meshaal said: “We need democracy and elections in order to build our institutions, as well as a real partnership,” noting that everyone has to bear responsibility regarding issues such as Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, lands occupied in 1948, and Palestinians in diaspora.
During the meeting, Meshaal revealed that he had spoken to the head of the PNC Salim Al-Za’noun and reiterated the importance of national unity amongst Palestinian factions, telling him that “the world will not respect us unless we are united.”
Meanwhile, Meshaal said that the latest communications with the Israelis are in the interest of the Palestinians and that the image of the Israeli occupation is retreating on the international arena. “The persistence of the Palestinians will oblige the world to respect us,” he added.
Meshaal also thanked Qatar for hosting the Palestinians, saying: “We are grateful for those who are [helping] us.”
The PLO executive committee is to hold meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday to form the preparation committee that is to organise the PNC meeting on 15 September.