Haniyeh: Abbas is welcome in Gaza; Palestinian factions committed to ceasefire

18 Jun 2008

Isma'il Haniyeh, the de facto prime minister in the Gaza Strip, said he would welcome Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Gaza.

Speaking during a meeting with members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), Haniyeh said, "Gaza welcomes anybody and if Abbas wants to come, he is welcome."

He confirmed that a ceasefire with Israel would go into effect on Thursday

"At 6.00am on Thursday ceasefire will begin and Israeli aggression will end, crossings will be reopened, blockade will end as well and Palestinian factions are committed," he said

"This ceasefire is meant to offer security, accomplish interests, and decrease Palestinians' sufferings as well as granting comfort to Israelis if they commit to it," he added.

Haniyeh also said that "if Israelis violate the agreement, Palestinians will have the right to defend themselves but we need a national conformity for dealing with such issues under the brokering of Egypt and the factions had already agreed."

Haniyeh said that Egypt is working to extend the ceasefire to the West Bank.