Palestinian factions call for success of national dialogue

RAMALLAH — The National and Islamic Forces said on Monday that a comprehensive national dialogue must succeed in order to achieve Palestinian unity, according to a statement reported by WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency.

The forces said unity would strengthen the steadfastness and resistance of the Palestinian people. They said it would also protect Palestinian land and Islamic and Christian holy sites from what they called ongoing Israeli aggression.

The statement was issued against the backdrop of the war in the Gaza Strip, which the forces described as genocidal, along with checkpoints, detentions and attacks by settlers in the West Bank. The forces did not provide new casualty figures in the statement.

The forces said threats by Israeli officials, including the defence minister, to deny Palestinians their legitimate rights were part of a wider war. They called on the international community to impose sanctions and a boycott on Israel. They also welcomed positions taken by countries and peoples that support the Palestinian struggle.

The forces called on the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international bodies to protect Palestinian prisoners. They said prisoners faced killing, abuse, isolation, starvation and medical neglect. The forces held Israel fully responsible.

The forces stressed the need to hold legislative and presidential elections, which were scheduled for September. They also called for efforts to ensure the Palestinian National Council election succeeds. They said Israeli aggression had prevented elections from being held in November this year. They added that serious international pressure was needed for elections to take place at any time.

Background

The statement came from a group of Palestinian national and Islamic factions. Its wording reflects long-standing calls for Palestinian reconciliation, which have not produced a unified political system. The forces did not say when the dialogue would take place or who would take part.

The statement reflects the position of the signatory forces. Israeli officials have not responded to it in the sources reviewed.