JERUSALEM, October 5, 2017 (WAFA) - The European Union Representative and the EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah welcomed on Wednesday recent developments in intra-Palestinian reconciliation and called for an end to the Israeli closure imposed on the Gaza Strip for the past 10  years and full opening of the crossing points.

“The Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah welcome that Prime Minister (Rami) Hamdallah travelled to Gaza and held a meeting there with all ministers,” said the Missions in a statement. “This is an important and positive signal that the Palestinian Authority is ready to assume its responsibilities in Gaza.”

Recalling the Quartet Principles, said the Missions, “we encourage all parties involved in the reconciliation process to engage in good faith, to allow the Palestinian Authority to fully resume its government functions in Gaza. We also recall the need for unimpeded humanitarian access for all, including EU bodies and EU Member States, and a fundamental change to the political, security and economic situation in Gaza, including an end of the closure and a full opening of the crossing points, while addressing Israel‘s legitimate security concerns.”

M.K.