GAZA, October 3, 2017 (WAFA) – United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, said on Tuesday the return of the Palestinian Authority’s government to Gaza is essential for urgently resolving the humanitarian situation, most notably the crippling electricity and health crises.

Following a meeting with Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah in Gaza, he said the return of the government to Gaza “should facilitate the lifting of the movement and access restrictions on Gaza, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1860.”

“I was encouraged by the firm commitment of President Abbas and the Government to return to Gaza under the full control of the legitimate Palestinian Authority,” he said in a press release.

Mladenov praised the continuing “engagement of Egypt with all sides to ensure the implementation of the Cairo understandings.”

He expressed readiness on behalf of the United Nations to continue working with the “legitimate Palestinian authorities and the region in support of the Government in taking up its responsibilities in Gaza.”

“I reiterate the call of the Middle East Quartet to end the militant activities in Gaza and ensure that peace with Israel is achieved on the basis of negotiations. Gaza is and must be an integral part of the future Palestinian state.”

M.N./M.K.