‘Najib’s move to mend Hamas-Fatah ties a historic moment’

The Prime Minister’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor talking to one of the children at An-Nasseer Hospital in Gaza. Her visit was in conjunction with Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s trip to Gaza. — Bernama

 

PETALING JAYA: Several non-governmental organisations involved in the Palestinian cause praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on his efforts to help mend ties between the Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah.

Sekretariat Dana Hospital 4 Gaza's chief operating officer Mohd Nazri Sahat said it was a historic moment, not only for the country, but also for local NGOs that had been helping the Palestinians over the years.

“We definitely support the Prime Minister in getting Malaysia to play a role in the reconciliation talks between Hamas and Fatah,” he said here yesterday.

He said Najib's historic visit to Gaza also bore special significance for the secretariat, which comes under the Islamic Associations Consultative Council (Mapim).

Malaysia supports Fatah-Hamas reconciliation

Friend in need: Najib and Rosmah accompanied by Haniyeh (left) being introduced to Hamas Cabinet ministers in Gaza. — Bernama

 

GAZA CITY: Malaysia has offered to help unite rival Palestinian groups Fatah and Hamas.

The first Malaysian Prime Minister to visit Palestine, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak expressed support for a reconciliation plan to end the division between the two Palestinian movements.

“A unity government is within reach,” the Prime Minister said after being conferred a honorary doctorate by the al-Aqsa University in East Jerusalem yesterday.

He said that peace and prosperity could only be achieved through unity, a belief strengthened by Malaysia's success in facilitating talks in the southern Philippine to end four decades of conflict that had killed over 120,000 people.

“Should it be needed, we stand ready to offer you the benefit of that experience. Malaysia, always a friend of the Palestine people, is willing to help facilitate the reconciliation plan in whichever way we can,” he said.

A split between the two groups in 2007 led to the West Bank being governed by Fatah and the Gaza Strip by Hamas. The two sides signed a reconciliation plan sponsored by Egypt in May last year.

Najib, who was in Gaza on a humanitarian visit, said his commitment to a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue was clear.

“We wish to see an independent, unified Palestine, enjoying the peace and security which all the world's peoples deserve.”