BRUSSELS, November 2, 2017 (WAFA) – The European Union said on Thursday that it is ready to provide full support for efforts to reunite Gaza and the West Bank.

It said in a statement by its spokesperson that the handover of Gaza crossings to the Palestinian Authority “is an important step in the implementation of the agreement signed in Cairo on 12 October, and towards allowing the Palestinian Authority to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza and achieving intra-Palestinian reconciliation.”

“The European Union reiterates its readiness to provide its full support to the efforts to reunite Gaza and the West Bank under one single and legitimate Palestinian Authority. This includes our readiness to redeploy the EUBAM Rafah mission if requested by the parties and as soon as the conditions allow. Contacts with all relevant stakeholders on possible EU contributions are ongoing,” added the spokesperson.

“We will continue to liaise with the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Israel, and our international partners, including in the Quartet, in order to help this process to succeed, which is critical for reaching a negotiated two-state solution and sustainable peace.”

M.K.