As we reported here a while ago, Hamas and Fatah were getting ready to tie the knot. Now it is official, they are now of one mind, and Israel doesn't like it one bit. Understandable, as this co-joining of two of Israel's most virulent enemies will make it easier for Israel to be attacked, and harder to pin blame.
From the Guardian.co.uk May 4
Speaking at the ceremony, the Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal said his faction was "ready to pay any price" for reconciliation among Palestinians, the Arabic satellite channel al-Arabiya reported.
"We announce to Palestinians that we turn forever the black page of division," he said.
The pact provides for the creation of a joint caretaker Palestinian government before national elections next year.
The deal calls for the formation of an interim government to run the occupied West Bank, where Abbas is based, and Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and prepare for parliamentary and presidential elections within a year.
Palestinians see this reconciliation as crucial for their drive to establish an independent state in the territories captured by Israel in the 1967 war.
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From the Guardian.co.uk May 4
Palestinian rivals Hamas and Fatah sign reconciliation deal
President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal announce end to four years of division in pact brokered by Egypt
The rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas have signed a landmark reconciliation pact aimed at ending their bitter four-year rift.
A ceremony marking the deal, which was mediated by Egypt, took place on Wednesday at the Egyptian intelligence headquarters in Cairo.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal said his faction was "ready to pay any price" for reconciliation among Palestinians, the Arabic satellite channel al-Arabiya reported.
The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, said the accord ended "four black years" that hurt national Palestinian interests. He also said at the ceremony that he would soon visit the Hamas-held Gaza Strip.
"We announce to Palestinians that we turn forever the black page of division," he said.
The pact provides for the creation of a joint caretaker Palestinian government before national elections next year.
Critics have cast doubt on the durability of the Egyptian-brokered accord, which has been denounced by Israel.
The deal calls for the formation of an interim government to run the occupied West Bank, where Abbas is based, and Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and prepare for parliamentary and presidential elections within a year.
Palestinians see this reconciliation as crucial for their drive to establish an independent state in the territories captured by Israel in the 1967 war.
Read it all
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