JERUSALEM,  November 1, 2017 (WAFA) - United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, welcomed on Wednesday the return for Gaza’s Rafah crossing to the Palestinian Authority (PA), describing it as a landmark development.

"I welcome the full return of the Gaza crossings to the control of the Palestinian Authority. This is a landmark development in the implementation of the intra-Palestinian agreement, signed in Cairo on 12 October. The positive momentum should be maintained and the Palestinian Government must be fully empowered to function in Gaza,” Mladenov said in a statement.

“The return of the crossings should facilitate the lifting of the closures, while addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns, and unlock increased international support for Gaza’s reconstruction, growth, stability and prosperity.”

The UN official said he takes this opportunity “to remind all factions in Gaza of the importance of maintaining security and ending militant activities that undermine peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis alike.”

He said that the United Nations “will continue to work with the Palestinian leadership, Egypt and the region in support of this process, which is critical for reaching a negotiated two-state solution and sustainable peace.”

Hamas turned over control of the Rafah crossing with Egypt to the Palestinian Authority on Wednesday, making it the first time in more than 10 years that the PA will have full rule over this important crossing that links the Gaza Strip with the outside world.

M.K.