US Special Representative for International Negotiations praised the efforts to restore Palestinian Authority control over the Gaza Strip as part of reconciliation negotiations between the PA and the Hamas terrorist organization. Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 and has ruled the enclave ever since. The terrorist organization has fought three wars with Israel in 2008, 2012, and 2014. "As the Palestinian Authority Cabinet visits Gaza today in preparation for the October 3 cabinet meeting, the United States welcomes efforts to create the conditions for the Palestinian Authority to fully assume its responsibilities in Gaza, as noted in the September 28 Quartet statement," Greenblatt said. "We will be watching these developments closely, while pressing forward with the Palestinian Authority, Israel, and international donors to try to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The United States stresses that any Palestinian government must unambiguously and explicitly commit to nonviolence, recognition of the State of Israel, acceptance of previous agreements and obligations between the parties, and peaceful negotiations."
