Palestinian prime minister Rami Hamdallah crossed into Gaza on Thursday to hold the first cabinet meeting in the war-ravaged territory of a unity government formed by rivals Fatah and Hamas.
The meeting was to take place ahead of an October 12 Gaza donors conference in Cairo, and aims to show the international community that a leadership united under the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority would preside over funds donated for reconstruction.
The cabinet's composition was agreed in June between bitter rivals Fatah, which dominates the PA, and Hamas, which remains in de facto control of Gaza.
But Thursday's meeting was to be its first in the besieged coastal territory, and the first that its Gaza-based ministers could attend, after Israel blocked their travel to the West Bank to be sworn in.
Hamdallah was greeted by Hamas officials after coming through the Erez crossing between Gaza and Israel, and Hamas had deployed heavy security throughout northern Gaza for the visit, AFP correspondents said.
The prime minister was to tour some of the areas worst hit by the 50-day war between Israel and Gaza militants in July and August in which nearly 2,200 Palestinians were killed along with about 73 on the Israeli side.
Tens of thousands of homes were levelled, leaving 100,000 people homeless.
The meeting of the cabinet, which is made up of political independents, was due to take place at the Gaza property of president Mahmud Abbas.
Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Malki said the meet aimed to show the international community that its donations to rebuild Gaza would be overseen by the Western-backed PA, and would not fall into the hands of Gaza militants.
"The consensus government meeting in Gaza is additional proof to the countries participating in the Cairo conference that there are no questions over the PA's influence in Gaza, and its taking on the task of reconstruction," he said Wednesday.
The unity government was formed under an April reconciliation deal between the Palestine Liberation Organisation, which is dominated by Abbas's Fatah party, and Hamas.
But the deal saw setbacks immediately, notably over the issue of who should pay the salaries of Hamas employees in Gaza after its own government disbanded.
Hamas won the last round of Palestinian legislative elections in 2006, and ousted Fatah from Gaza in fierce fighting the following year.
The two sides agreed last month that the new unity government would begin administering the Strip, and would oversee the import of building materials for reconstruction.
Israel is reluctant to ease the blockade it imposed on Gaza in 2006, saying that materials could be used by Hamas to make weapons and attack tunnels.
AFP
Thu Oct 09 2014
Palestinian PM Rami Hamdallah (C), accompanied by Israeli soldiers and security and Palestinian security, walks from the Erez Crossing terminal to his car as he and other Palestinian cabinet ministers cross to the Gaza Strip - EPA/JIM HOLLANDER
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.