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Gaza Political Factions United By Youth, Announce Election Plans

By Julie Webb-Pullman

At an event in Gaza City today to celebrate youth creativity, hosted by El-Wedad Society for Community Rehabilitation, spokespeople from Hamas, Fateh, other parties and youth, called in one voice for Palestinian unity, and stressed the central – and essential - role of Palestinian youth in realising Palestine’s future.

The event was the culmination of a two-day cultural exhibition followed by awards in the areas of video, cartoons, handcrafts, and social media produced by over 90 young people aged 18-20 years in the Rwad Youth Development Forum. The Rwad programme is designed to enhance the social, educational and leadership capacities of youth, and this year’s competition focused on the creative capacities of youth.

A feature of the works exhibited was the common theme of political division, and young Palestinians’ desperate desire for national unity.

The speeches were complemented by readings, poetry and dance performances, and followed by the award presentation.

In the opening address, Naim Alghalban, Director of El-Wedad Society for Community Rehabilitation, told the 300+ people attending the event that the artists were sending a very clear message to the two main Palestinian political parties, and that message was one of unity and reconciliation.

“The skills and creative works shown here hold interest for everyone in Palestine,“ he said. “Palestinian youth have the ability to mobilise nationally, and I invite people from my heart to show these creative works to support them, and to ease their future path to enhance the value of the Palestinian people.”

Ismail Radwan (Hamas) outlines path to achieve unity
Ismail Radwan, Hamas spokesperson, spoke next, and stressed that it is a very important moment in time for youth to gather together to enhance unity, and dismiss fanaticism.

“Youth has to reconstruct the homeland for our future, and during this stage which we are passing through we call for unity, and quickly. We are convinced that the commitment of the Cairo Agreement will pave the way to apply the Doha Declaration,” he said. “We hope that everyone will implement these agreements beginning 27th May to coincide with the Committee for Elections, which will work to prepare for the elections. This stage will go for around 10 days, and Meshaal and Abbas will proclaim a National Unity Government. This transitional government will be in place for six months to prepare for the elections and reconstruction of Gaza, and apply the recommendations of the Freedom Committee.”

Radwan confirmed that Hamas is serious in their commitment, and will implement all of their agreements. He called on all parties to create an atmosphere conducive to the implementation of unity, such as by stopping political detentions.

“We have all seen the unity that is possible amongst Palestinians in recent days, with the prisoners’ issues and the Battle of the Empty Stomachs, and how they achieved victory in their battle for dignity. The Palestinian goal is freedom, and freedom for our prisoners On Nakba day all Palestinians were united. We need this unity to confront the Israeli occupation and to defend Jerusalem, refugees and prisoners’ rights,” he concluded.

Atif Abuhen (Fateh) stresses importance of unity for youth
Atif Abuhen, Fateh spokesperson, observed that youth are the most affected by the political division, which causes enormous stress in their lives, especially given their central role in the Palestinian community.

“We in Fateh realise that unity is the only way to achieve the prospects and dreams of our young generations. If there is fanaticism and division we can’t achieve unity between parties,” he noted. “We are also serious about reaching agreement. We don’t need this government to be permanent, but we do need a transitional government. We will never achieve unity without elections,” he added.

“Citizens should feel we are serious in our intention to achieve unity. Our homeland deserves such sacrifice. As Mahmoud Darwish said, ‘On our land, people deserve life.’ We have kept fighting, not only with weapons but also by the pen, by creativity and by art.”

Ismail Masharawi (all other parties) welcomes Hamas and Fateh reconciliation
Ismail Masharawi gave all other parties’ blessings to the reconciliation between Hamas and Fateh, saying they hope it will lead to national reconciliation, and eventually to the liberation of Jerusalem.

“Youth is our only guarantee for the future,” he said. “The Palestinian people confirm to the Israeli occupation that our youth is the symbol of our resistance, which this exhibition shows. These activities are vital to reconstruct and build up our youth.”

Like Radwan, he noted that the youth event coincided with both Nakba and the Battle of the Empty Stomachs, which united all Palestinians.

“All Palestinians need to be united to fight the Israeli occupation,” he emphasised.

Mohammad Alkairi (youth) wants action, not words
“The message of the youth is unity,” stated Alkairi. “This division affects all Palestinian youth and darkens their hearts. We came here today to confirm the creative aspects of our youth, and to support Palestinian unity. I feel sorry for parties that have a division with youth and that make no attempt to enhance unity except in the media – they don’t know how to apply it,” he criticised.

“Division tears apart the social fabric. Young people regain life through their creativity, they share their feelings, emotions and opinions. The main winner of the division is the Israeli occupation, but even so, we will never accept the Israeli occupation, and by our souls we will continue our road to freedom. I have a final message to the leaders – save us from division, free youth!” he concluded.

Naim Alghalban, President Widad Society for Community Rehabilitation

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Ismail Radwan, Hamas Spokesperson

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Atif Abuhen, Fateh spokesperson

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Ismail Masharawi, spokesperson for all other parties

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Mohammad Alkairi, spokesperson for youth

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Ahmed AlAwedi, won first prize in the video category with Noor Dawood

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Young women waiting for the winners to be announced

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ENDS

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