A Palestinian delegation of independent individuals held a meeting with Egyptian intelligence officials.

Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Shaqaqy, head of the delegation, conveyed the importance of accelerating the pace in working towards ending Palestinian divisions. He told Ahramonline that Khaled Mishaal will be visiting Cairo next week to discuss security concerns and the restructuring of the PLO.

The delegation included businessmen, academics, scientists, judges, religious figures and representatives of civil society organizations and the private sector in Gaza and the West Bank.

A press release was issues saying that the Palestinian delegation in the meeting held Monday evening was assured by Egyptian officials of their commitment to the Palestinian nation in the effort to obtain justice, internal unity and reconciliation.

The delegation brought Egyptians up to speed on the latest developments relevant to reconciliation including their efforts to achieve it, the situation in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and popular initiatives that were launched last month calling for national unity.

Yasser Al Wadeya, a businessman who represents the group in reconciliation talks, said reconciliation demands ‘true resolve’ on the part of the Palestinian leaderships.

Khalil Assaf, the group’s representative in the West Bank, noted that internal divisions are resulting in a deterioration in the situation with regards Palestinian land and increased buildling of settlements. 

“The national project suffered a divisive blow due to the prevalence of partisan interests over national interests,” said Assaf. “Palestinian priorities must be organized and move quickly towards reconciliation to preserve Palestinian constants and achievements over years of struggle.”