Palestine & Hamas Establish New Partnership

Steps Toward A Unified Palestine?

Palestine's Fatah and Hamas parties have agreed on a new partnership with hopes of uniting Palestinians. Talks between the two movements in Cairo have emerged with the two groups seeking coalition on different subjects that may lead to a more unified Palestine. Israel and its western allies have already denounced the agreement.

Discussion in Cairo

Fatah's Mahmood Abbas and Hamas' Khaled Meshaal met in Cairo where they discussed a joint coalition between their two respective parties to help Palestine move forward. Some of the issues which were discussed included joint Palestinian strategy, an interim government, reforming the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and a date for elections. Also discussed was the prospect of a truce with Israel in the West Bank and Gaza,

Following the meeting on November 24, the two parties believed the outcome to have been positive, which was the attitude they had before going in.

Critical Reception

The reception to the talks have not all been positive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Abbas to stop trying to work with Hamas while the United States and the United Kingdoms refused to deal with the Palestinian authorities unless they recognize Israel, renounce violence on Israel and abide by previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements.

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Palestinian factions aim to end rivalry - Euronews

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sourced by Ben Steinmeier