Hamas insists security institutions must remain Gaza – Mohammed Habib Hamas Prime Minister in Gaza, Ismail Haniyeh, said on Monday that Hamas’s security forces in Gaza Strip will continue to operate even after the implementation of the Palestinian reconciliation agreement with Fatah, while a security senior official of Fatah said that Haniyeh’s statement means that he does not want a real reconciliation
At a graduation ceremony of police school in Gaza Monday, Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh confirmed that Hamas security forces in Gaza would not be terminated in the future reconciliation with Fatah
He said "security institutions that were built on national basis and faith must remain.”
Hamas forces restored order and ended lawlessness in Gaza, he added, stressing that "This is a pure national institution working for Palestine; Gaza security services do not liaise and cooperate with Israel.”
Security is one of several issues that obstruct the implementation of the reconciliation agreement brokered by Egypt, under which Hamas and Fatah need to agree on forming a unity government, holding elections and reforming the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
At the same context, Fatah’s security senior official said that, according to the Palestinian reconciliation, there will be only three security institutions in Palestine (National Security, Internal Security and General Intelligence,) adding that "Haneya's remarks mean that he does not want a real reconciliation."
In order to end the Palestinian division and accomplish the reconciliation, the Palestinian factions must be committed to the reconciliation agreement, which provides three security institutions in Palestine, Fatah’s official stressed.
Meanwhile, he pointed out that Hamas’s security forces can be included to the Palestinian security institutions with adhering to the standards, according to the needs of the security institutions.
Regarding the visit of a delegation of Egyptian officials to meet with Fatah and Hamas to advance reconciliation between the two parties, which was revealed by Hamas’s official, Fatah’s official said “Egypt didn’t inform us formally about this visit.”