The United Nations stands ready to continue working with the legitimate Palestinian authorities and the region in support of the government in taking up its responsibilities in Gaza, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, said in a statement following on his meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Hamdallah in Gaza on Tuesday.

"This morning I met with Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah in Gaza. I was encouraged by the firm commitment of President Abbas and the Government to return to Gaza under the full control of the legitimate Palestinian Authority. This is essential for resolving the humanitarian situation as soon as possible, most notably the crippling electricity and health crises, and should facilitate the lifting of the movement and access restrictions on Gaza, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1860,'' he stated.

''I am encouraged by the continuing engagement of Egypt with all sides to ensure the implementation of the Cairo understandings,'' he added.