Al-Azhar Grand Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb called for reconciliation between Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah during a meeting Monday with Hamas Religious Affairs Minister Ismail Said Radwan.
“The Zionist entity is the first beneficiary of this division,” Tayyeb said during the meeting, adding that the unity of the Palestinian people is essential for the liberation of Palestine.
State-run news agency MENA quoted Tayyeb as saying that the Palestinians shall stand together against the threats they face, including the frequent attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Tayyeb promised to increase scholarships for Palestinian students, especially those who want to do their postgraduate studies at Al-Azhar University, and to provide Palestinian religious bodies and institutions with books and materials.
Radwan described the obstacles the people of Gaza face, including the crippling siege that causes a lack of fuel, medication and basic necessities.
“In spite of that, the people in Gaza are steadfast and sure of victory,” he stressed.
