ATFP Hopes New Palestinian Government is First Step Toward Genuine Reunification

Washington, DC, June 2 -- Today, the American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) expressed hope that the announcement and swearing in of a new Palestinian government will be a first step in fully resolving Palestinian national disunity. ATFP hopes that this measure will be the first in a number of steps that will implement negotiated agreements that end the Palestinian political split between the West Bank and Gaza. Political differences should never result in such national divisions, and ATFP shares the gratification of the Palestinian people that official steps are being taken to end their national nightmare.

ATFP hopes Palestinian political space is opened in order for the implementation of agreed-upon, free and fair elections. ATFP notes that a resolution of security issues is essential to genuinely restoring Palestinian unity.

ATFP also hopes that this agreement will result in relief and improved prospects for the long-suffering people of Gaza. The Task Force notes that the Palestinian people will continue to require strong support from the international community, and that therefore this and further implementation of agreements will reflect international norms.