Palestinian groups urge Arafat to form unified leadership

Various Palestinian groups called on leader Yasser Arafat on Tuesday to form a joint leadership to end the ongoing security chaos in the Gaza Strip.

The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) called on the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to put an end to the security chaos and confusion within the strip which occurred following the ongoing Israeli military escalations, particularly in the northerntown of Beit Hanoun.

Hamas speaker in the Gaza Strip Sami Abu Zuhri said "the situation is extremely dangerous and the disputes are about personal gains and deteriorating this security will have negative impacts on the Palestinians arena and creates a lack of security for Palestinians."

"The major resolution for this crisis requires a united Palestinian leadership that should comprise all movements and powers and should be formed by holding talks with the PNA," Abu Zuhri stated.

Meanwhile, the national and Islamic powers' higher follow up committee also sent an urgent letter to Arafat, urging him to immediately consider their demands in order to end the crisis.

The letter called on Arafat to respond to five demands that are mainly about ending the security chaos by reinstating law and banning the use of weapons in internal conflicts.

The committee urged Arafat to deal with all forms of interior incitement and disputes and guaranteeing equal shares of job opportunities, aid funds, and social support for all Palestinians under the Israeli occupation.

It also called to form a united leadership that involves all powers and movements in the Palestinian decision-making body as well as holding elections to pave the way for the implementation of tangible democratic reforms.

In the meantime, the follow up committee said it will be constantly meeting and will resume working with all the concerned sides in order to avert the Israeli occupation from taking advantage of the situation.

Source: Xinhua