Hamas, Islamic Jihad Decide Not to Attend Central Council Meeting

Hamas’ head of political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh,

Ramallah, MINA – Hamas and the Islamic Jihad have decided not to attend the Palestine Liberation Organization’s (PLO) Central Council meeting planned to kick off in Ramallah on Sunday, WAFA reported, citing Palestinian officials.

Hamas’ head of its political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, wrote Salim Zanoun, president of the Palestinian National Council (PNC) who also presides over the Central Council, and informed him of the movement’s decision not to attend the meeting.

The Islamic Jihad had also taken a similar stand.

Even though both Islamist organizations are not members in the PLO, they are nevertheless regularly invited to attend PLO meetings as observers.

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Part of the reconciliation understanding between Hamas and the ruling Fatah party is to reshape the PLO to get Hamas and the Islamic Jihad to become official members.

The Central Council, the second highest Palestinian legislative authority after the PNC, is expected to open its meeting on Sunday in Ramallah to discuss adopting a new Palestinian strategy following the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)