JERUSALEM, September 28, 2017 (WAFA) – Envoys of the international Quartet for Middle East peace welcomed on Thursday intra-Palestinian reconciliation efforts urging reunification of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

A statement issued by the envoys, who include Russia, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations, said it welcomes efforts, including those of Egypt, to create the conditions for the Palestinian Authority to assume its responsibilities in Gaza.

The envoys urged Fatah and Hamas “to take concrete steps to reunite Gaza and the West Bank under the legitimate Palestinian Authority.”

It said this “will facilitate lifting the closures of the crossings, while addressing Israel‘s legitimate security concerns, and unlock international support for Gaza‘s growth, stability and prosperity, which is critical for efforts to reach lasting peace.”

“The Quartet envoys stand ready to engage with Israel, the Palestinian Authority and the region in support of this process,” said the statement, adding, “The Envoys emphasize that the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza, most notably the crippling electricity crisis and its impact on health, social and economic well-being of the population, must be addressed. The Quartet encourages the international community to act accordingly.”

The Palestinian government plans to travel to Gaza on Monday to consolidate its authority in the besieged Gaza Strip, after Hamas, which has been in control of Gaza since its 2007 coup, agreed this month to dissolve an administrative committee it has created in March to run Gaza affairs.

The Palestinian Authority and factions hailed the Hamas move as a right step on the road toward reuniting the West Bank and Gaza.

M.K.