The security forces of Gaza-ruler Hamas on Sunday released around 30 rival Fatah movement members behind the bars in the Gaza Strip, including former Gaza governor and the Fatah Gaza spokesman.
Spokesman for Hamas Ministry of Interior Ihab al-Ghusein told reporters that the release of senior Fatah leaders was "a goodwill gesture to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr," which falls on Wednesday marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
Their release was also in response to calls made by Deputy Speaker of the parliament Ahmad Bahar "to strengthen the Egyptian efforts of reconciliation," he added.
Among those freed was Mohamed al-Qedwa, who was governor of the Gaza Strip before Hamas took over the coastal enclave from Fatah in June last year and had been in detention for three months, and Hazem Abu Shanab, Fatah movement's spokesman in Gaza.
Fatah loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas has said Hamas militias and security forces have detained hundreds of its men in the Gaza Strip since Hamas' violent seizure of the territory. It said around 150 Fatah men are still in Gaza jails.
Hamas, however, said around 300 Hamas members and activists have been arrested by security forces affiliated with Abbas in the West Bank over the past year. According to Hamas, about half of them are still in prison.
In September, Egyptian security officials have been holding separate talks with leaders of 13 Palestinian factions to help seek for national unity among Palestinians.
The Egyptian mediators met with a Fatah delegation earlier in the week, and will meet a Hamas delegation on Oct. 8.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article