PA: Palestinian unity is best response to Trump’s decision

Palestinian Prime Minister, Rami Hamdallah, arrives in Gaza to attend a press conference in regards to the US officially calling Jerusalem as the capital of Israel on 7 December 2017 [Mohammed Asad/Middle East Monitor]

by Mohammed Asad

Palestinian Prime Minister, Rami Hamdallah, said strengthening national unity between the West Bank and Gaza Strip is the best response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to declare Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

In a press conference held upon his arrival in Gaza this morning, Hamdallah said: “We are aware that our road to reconciliation is long and thorny, but we also know that we will reach the end. National reconciliation is a strategic option we will not abandon.”

He stressed that the national reconciliation will be achieved, noting that the ministers have begun carrying out their duties, which “we strive to be effective and comprehensive”.

Hamdallah noted that collecting taxes must be done through the government, stressing the need for the government to completely take over internal security duties.

Read: Palestinians Abroad condemn US step to move embassy to Jerusalem

With regards to the issue of the employees hired after 2007, Hamdallah stated that the matter will be dealt with by the legal committee, adding: “We will not leave any employee in the street; we will find solutions for them all.”

“We are working on closing the employee case as soon as possible. We have instructed the ministries and institutions to allow the old employees, hired before 2007, to return to their positions, as part of the implementation of agreements,” he added.

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