Turkey praises Hamas’s move for Palestinian reconciliation

TuRKeY praises the Hamas’s move to reconcile with Fatah, saying that it would lead to a state solution and promote regional stability.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry released a statement on Sunday stating: “We welcome the statement made by Hamas today that constitutes an important step regarding Palestinian reconciliation. We call all relevant parties to take advantage of this opportunity for the unity of our Palestinian brothers.”

“A prompt conclusion of the reconciliation process is a necessity regarding the twostate solution and regional stability. We will continue our support for the intra-Palestinian reconciliation process within the frame- work of our efforts for peace and stability in the region.”

Hamas on Sunday announced it had dissolved an administrative committee set up earlier this year in a bid to promote reconciliation with rival Palestinian faction Fatah following unity talks held last week.

In a statement, the Gaza-based resistance group stressed its appreciation for egyptian efforts to end years of Palestinian political division, calling on the Ramallah-based Palestinian government to “immediately” assume a governing role in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas also called for general elections, stressing its readiness to hold talks with Fatah, the dominant Palestinian political faction headed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The group also urged implementation of a 2011 agreement that calls for the establishment of a national unity government.

After distancing itself from the Muslim Brotherhood by changing its administrative cadre, Hamas unveiled a new political charter in May amid structural changes.

In its new program, Hamas redefines itself as a national liberation group, distancing it from its parent movement, the pan-Arab Muslim Brotherhood, which has been outlawed by neighboring egypt.

Ahmad Yusuf, a senior Hamas leader who is considered one the organization’s pragmatists, said the new document sig- naled “an important shift in the way Hamas is thinking,” that will give it more flexibility internationally.

Hamas recently moved to secure its position in the region by making a significant change to its administrative cadre, while accepting collaborative efforts with egypt to fight the presence of Daesh in Sinai. Hamas has ruled Gaza since 2007 after securing an overwhelming victory in legislative elections the previous year and ending 40 years of political domination by its rival Fatah party. Hamas captured the coastal strip by violently overthrowing forces loyal to the Fatah movement, led by Western-backed Palestinian President Abbas.