By : JD News Desk
Jordan Daily – Palestinian security forces detained prominent businessman Samir Hulileh in Ramallah on Wednesday, Palestinian sources said, after he was reported to have put himself forward as a possible candidate to administer Gaza with U.S. support.
President Mahmoud Abbas’ office has insisted that only the Palestinian government or its recognized administrative committee can manage Gaza, warning that any separate initiatives would deepen divisions between the enclave and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Hulileh, 67, is a former secretary-general of the Palestinian government and one of the best-known figures in the Palestinian private sector. He previously served as chief executive of PADICO Holding, the largest Palestinian investment company, and was chairman of the Palestine Exchange until earlier this year.
He was also part of the Palestinian economic team in the Oslo peace talks with Israel in the 1990s.
