Rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas on Wednesday proclaimed a landmark, Egyptian-mediated reconciliation pact aimed at ending their bitter four-year rift. The declaration was made at a ceremony at the Egyptian intelligence headquarters in Cairo.
Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the accord ended "four black years" that hurt national Palestinian interests. He also said he would "soon" visit Hamas-held Gaza Strip.
The pact provides for the creation of a joint caretaker Palestinian government ahead of national elections next year, but leaves key issues unresolved and makes no mention of peace talks with Israel.
Israel has denounced the pact in advance of the Cairo ceremony, because of the militant Hamas' long history of deadly attacks against Israeli targets. It has equated the deal with a renunciation of peacemaking.
Israel considers Hamas a terrorist organization and says it will not negotiate with a future Palestinian government that includes the Iranian- and Syrian-backed group.
Abbas rejected Israel's opposition to the pact, saying the reconciliation with the militant Islamic group was an internal Palestinian affair.
"They are our brothers and family. We may differ, and we often do, but we still arrive at a minimum level of understanding," Abbas said of Hamas.
And in a message to Israel, Abbas added: "We reject blackmail and it is no longer possible for us to accept the occupation of Palestinian land." (read more)
