Fatah and Hamas signed reconciliation agreement

The Fatah and Hamas on 23 April 2014 signed a reconciliation agreement to end their difference and form a Palestinian Unity Government in Gaza Strip.

The agreement was signed in Gaza by the Prime Minister of Gaza strip and Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh and Fatah-led Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) delegation chief Azzam al-Ahmed.

The agreement states that an independent government headed by Palestinian President headed by Mahmoud Abbas would be formed within five weeks.

The agreement also states that the two groups will work for the implementation of Egyptian-brokered deal in 2011. The unity deal aimed at ending the political divide between Gaza and the Palestinian Authority-ruled West Bank.

Besides, it also strives for reviving the Palestinian Legislative Council that has been paralysed since 2007.
The agreement also calls for activating and developing the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) so as to allow Hamas and other Palestinian groups to join the institutions of organization.

Hamas and Fatah split violently in 2007. Previous reconciliation agreements have never been implemented.  Since 2007, Hamas has been in control of the Gaza Strip and the Western-backed Palestinian Authority has been ruling in the West Bank.

Consequences
Israeli suspended the peace talks with the Palestinians on 24 April 2014 due to the reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas. The Israel rejects Hamas as terror organisation where the US and Europe hold the same position. Israel is planning a series of sanctions against the Palestinian.

Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah offered his resignation on 26 April 2014, a move which may pave the way for a unity government agreed between President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas.