LOC22:55
19:55 GMT
RAMALLAH, Aug 15 (KUNA) -- Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas warned that more severe measures would be taken against Hamas if it does not abandon plans to replace the national unity government in Gaza with its own administrative body.
His remarks came after the PA recently halted financial allocations meant for the Hamas-administered Gaza Strip after accusing the party of not being committed to a reconciliation deal struck with Ramallah-based government officials.
In a speech to Fatah party group members in Ramallah, Abbas urged Hamas to instead hold general elections for the formation of national unity government representatives.
"If Hamas insists on rejecting (these calls) we are in the process of our actions, which will escalate," he underlined.
Abbas left the door open to relieve the measures, providing Hamas changes its course of action, saying they do not target the people of Gaza.
"We say to Hamas, unequivocally, that we are ready to withdraw these measures if you disband the so-called 'administrative committee', allow the national reconciliation government to work freely and take control of the Gaza Strip, and agree to hold general elections," he said. (end)
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