RAMALLAH, February 9, 2016 (WAFA) – Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah Tuesday affirmed that his government is ready to resign in order to support the establishment of a unity government once parties reach an agreement.

In the weekly cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, Hamdallah expressed hope to see efforts exerted to achieve the reconciliation crowned with success and affirmed that his government will offer ultimate support to realize a national unity.

Meanwhile, Hamdallah said his government will continue to assume all its duties until a new government is formed.

This came following news that Fatah and Hamas officials held separate meetings in the Qatari capital, Doha, on Sunday and Monday in what was said to be an effort to jump-start a long-awaited national reconciliation.

The meetings held under Qatari auspices and headed by Khaled Meshal, Hamas chief, and Azzam al-Ahmad, Fatah’s official in charge of reconciliation talks, reportedly discussed ways to help create a “practical perception” on achieving national reconciliation within a specific and an agreed deadline.

Though both parties agreed on a national consensus government in April 2014, the two remained at odds over several issues, including salaries of post-Hamas government employees, security arrangements, and the Rafah border crossing on Gaza-Egypt border.

M.H