UN: Palestinian unity government crucial for Gaza recovery

"Reconstruction, recovery, governance and security in Gaza must take place in the context of the return of one legitimate Palestinian authority," UN report contends.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
PA President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh [file] (photo credit: REUTERS)
PA President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh [file]
(photo credit: REUTERS)
The United Nations released a report Monday saying that a unified, Palestinian government is crucial in helping Gaza permanently recover and rebuild following Operation Protective Edge.
“Neither Israeli closure nor militant smuggling of weapons or material for tunnels, nor the continued division of the Palestinians can offer anything beyond setting the stage for another, even more catastrophic war,” said the report.
A UN press release describing the report added that "...reconstruction, recovery, governance and security in Gaza must take place in the context of the return of one legitimate Palestinian authority, which will have the support of the UN and partners."
In April, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas agreed to a controversial reconciliation deal. However, in-fighting between the two Palestinian factions has been a major stumbling block in allowing a concrete government to form. 
Hamas has a strict policy of not recognizing the State of Israel whatsoever, while PA officials have engaged in peace talks with the Jewish state.
The report, issued by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry, went on to address what it described as a deteriorating situation in the West Bank over the summer. It placed the blame on Israeli building over the Green Line and supposed confrontations between Palestinians and IDF soldiers in the area.
The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee is set to discuss the report further on September 22, two days before the UN General Assembly convenes at the organization's headquarters in a meeting hosted by UN chief Ban Ki-Moon.
Both Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and PA President Mahmoud Abbas were expected to express the General Assembly.


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