Vice President of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement "Hamas," Ismail Haniyeh, met on Monday in his office in Gaza City with a delegation of human rights and civil society institutions, headed by Raji Sourani, director of the Palestinian Center for Human Rights.

Haniyeh briefed the delegation on the result of the latest foreign visits  and meetings. He also  exerted efforts to end the siege, to develop international and regional relations and to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.  In addition, Haniyeh  informed  the delegation of  the steps needed to achieve reconciliation and of the meetings which were held in that regard.

Haniyeh highly praised  the role of human rights and civil institutions , particularly in times of war , crises and  various   national issues.

Haniyeh affirmed the initial  and positive position of the Movement on the elections adding that   a number of conditions must precede the elections to guarantee their success.  . He also stated that the primary aim of the elections should be to pave the way for unity and ending division, not exclusion or deepening division.

Haniyeh asserted that any step takenshould be done so within the framework of national consensus.

In return, The  civil rights activist delegation praised the efforts made by Haniyeh expressing their appreciation for the success of the electoral process within Hamas, electing new leadership and the smooth flow of  senior leadership positions.

The delegation  stressed a  need  to  devote much needed  time and effort  on a national level for the fundamental issues  including re-building the political system, challenges with occupation regarding Jerusalem, settlements, political identity and  means to restore national unity , in addition to working for the success of the democratic process in the  local elections.