Hamas Official Stresses Palestinian Unity, Resistance
Haniyeh met with the ambassadors of Iran, Turkey, Russia and South Africa in Doha on Sunday.
During the meeting, he referred to the threats Palestine is facing and said the stance of Hamas is boosting unity in Palestine and continuing the path of resistance, Maan news agency reported.
Haniyeh elaborated on the developments in Palestine and the upcoming elections and expressed hope that the four countries will contribute to the successful organization of the polls.
A number of other Hamas officials were also present at the meeting in Doha.
Hamas recently urged Fatah-led Palestinian Authority (PA) to prepare a fair atmosphere for free elections and halt all forms of persecution against its members in the West Bank.
In a statement released on Thursday, Hamas called on the Ramallah-based authority to release all political prisoners held at West Bank jails and guarantee media freedom.
“It is high time to turn the page of the past once and for all and move forward towards a true Palestinian partnership capable of rebuilding the Palestinian political system on sound foundations,” the statement read.
Hamas also hailed the Gaza Interior Ministry for releasing nearly four dozen detainees accused or convicted of committing serious violations that directly harmed the Palestinian resistance.
It said the step reflected “the keenness of the movement and the government apparatuses in Gaza on creating more positive climates in light of the preparations for the elections.”
In January, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced that the 2021 elections would include the legislative vote scheduled for May 22, the presidential vote to be held on July 31 and the Palestinian National Council elections slated for August 31.
The announcement came after Haniyeh wrote a letter to the Palestinian president, calling for an end to divisions.
Rival Palestinian factions united after former US president Donald Trump unveiled the so-called “deal of the century,” a hugely pro-Tel Aviv scheme.
The Palestinian leadership has been divided between Fatah and Hamas since 2006, when the latter scored a landslide victory in parliamentary elections in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Hamas has ever since been running the densely-populated coastal enclave, while Fatah has been based in the autonomous parts of the occupied West Bank.
