Hamas calls for activating inoperative Palestinian parliament

Hamas called on Sunday for activating the inoperative Palestinian parliament, better known as the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC).
Mohamed al-Ghoul, head of Hamas bloc in the PLC, told a news briefing in Gaza that holding a unified session for the parliament in the West Bank and Gaza "has become very necessary."
He added that more than five months have passed since the signing of the reconciliation agreement and the formation of the unity consensus government.
"The unity government hasn't yet taken its full responsibilities in ruling the affairs of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, while the PLC or parliament hasn't been activated yet. "
The last parliamentary elections were held in the Palestinian territories in 2006, where Hamas ousted Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Fatah Party and had overwhelmingly won two thirds of the parliament's seats.
In 2007, Hamas violently seized control of the Gaza Strip and routed Abbas security forces. Since then, the PLC hasn't fully convened, as Hamas legislatures meet in Gaza without the West Bank 's joining.
"Now there is a unity government and according to the law, the PLC has to convene in order to observe the performance of the government," said al-Ghoul.