Hamas confirmed today, Friday, that the Palestinian factions meeting in the Russian capital, Moscow, emphasized that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is the "legitimate representative of the Palestinians." The movement stated in a declaration that "a positive and constructive spirit prevailed at the meeting in Moscow," noting that they agreed that their meetings will continue in upcoming dialogue rounds to achieve comprehensive national unity that includes all Palestinian forces and factions within the framework of the PLO, the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
The "unifying meeting" commenced on Thursday in Moscow, attended by all Palestinian factions including Fatah and Hamas, to discuss the formation of a technocratic government and the re-unification of the Palestinian ranks, as well as to address the situation in the Gaza Strip. The meeting is taking place under the auspices of the Russian Foreign Ministry, which initiated it in an attempt to make progress in the stalled Palestinian reconciliation process since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007.
Earlier this week, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh submitted his government’s resignation to President Mahmoud Abbas, while expectations suggest that the authority is set to appoint Mohammad Mustafa to form the next government, given his background in economic work, having previously served as Minister of Economy in earlier governments.
