The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) today, singed a unity pact with Hamas, which looks to form a united government within five weeks of national elections in 6 months time, reports Reuters.
The unity deal is thought to have a damaging impact in the already failing US sponsored peace-talks between Palestine and Israel, reports the BBC.
Commenting on the PLO President Abbas’ decision to sign a unity deal with Hamas, the Israeli Prime Minister, said,
The US state department expressed disappointment over President Abbas’ decision.
Responding to criticism over the PA’s decision to reconcile with Hamas, Mr Abbas said,
Welcoming the new agreement, the Prime Minister of the Hammas led government in Gaza, Ismail Haniya, said,
Hamas, an organisation proscribed by the US and EU, had been in conflict with President Abbas’ Palestinian Authority, after it took control of Gaza to form a rival governance.
The unity deal is thought to have a damaging impact in the already failing US sponsored peace-talks between Palestine and Israel, reports the BBC.
Commenting on the PLO President Abbas’ decision to sign a unity deal with Hamas, the Israeli Prime Minister, said,
“You can have one but not the other. I hope he chooses peace, so far he hasn’t done so. Whoever chooses Hamas does not want peace.”
The US state department expressed disappointment over President Abbas’ decision.
Responding to criticism over the PA’s decision to reconcile with Hamas, Mr Abbas said,
“There is no incompatibility between reconciliation and the talks.”
Welcoming the new agreement, the Prime Minister of the Hammas led government in Gaza, Ismail Haniya, said,
“This is the good news we tell our people. The era of division is over.”
Hamas, an organisation proscribed by the US and EU, had been in conflict with President Abbas’ Palestinian Authority, after it took control of Gaza to form a rival governance.