“I welcome the convening of the Palestinian National Council, which meets today in Ramallah for the first time in two decades.

It is a critical time for Palestinians. The leadership has a responsibility to end divisions and the deteriorating economic, humanitarian and social situation in Gaza.

Unity is essential to furthering the Palestinian national aspirations for statehood and sovereignty. That is why the Government of National Consensus should be enabled to take up its responsibilities in Gaza and bring immediate relief and change to the population. No one should stand in their way.

I look forward to the conclusions of the Palestinian National Council and the election of its new executive bodies.”