The outlines of the Fatah-Hamas unity deal

Elections, new ‘security council,’ and rebuilding Gaza top agenda.

By KHALED ABU TOAMEH
PA President Abbas with Hamas PM Haniyeh 311 (R) (photo credit: REUTERS/Suhaib Salem)
PA President Abbas with Hamas PM Haniyeh 311 (R)
(photo credit: REUTERS/Suhaib Salem)
The following are the main points of the Egyptian-sponsored Hamas-Fatah unity understandings reached in Cairo last week. The agreement is scheduled to be signed in Egypt on Wednesday by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal.
1. Elections: Both sides agreed to name members of the Central Elections Committee in accordance with the Palestinian factions. Both sides also agreed to present the candidacy of 12 judges as members of the Elections Court. The presidential and parliamentary elections would be held simultaneously one year after the signing of the accord.
2. PLO: Both sides agreed that the missions and decisions of the interim leadership could not be obstructed – and would not stand in contradiction with the authorities of the PLO Executive Committee.
3. Security: Both sides agreed on the formation of a higher security council, that would consist of professional officers.
4. Government: Both sides agreed on the formation of a Palestinian government and the appointment of a prime minister and cabinet ministers.
The government’s tasks would be to prepare for presidential and parliamentary elections; overseeing issues related to the internal reconciliation; rebuilding the Gaza Strip and ending the siege; implementing the unity agreement; tackling civilian and administrative matters resulting from the division and reuniting PA institutions.
5. Palestinian Legislative Council: Both sides agreed to revive the Palestinian Legislative Council (parliament) according to the Palestinian Basic Law.