Israel says Palestinian accord is a setback

05/05/11 01:43 CET

world news

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Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah formally signed an agreement on Wednesday, ending four years of bitter division. Palestinians celebrated in the streets of Gaza over the accord, which paves the way for a new joint interim government, ahead of national elections within a year.

But, speaking in London the Israel Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, made clear his people will not be celebrating.

“This is a tremendous setback for peace and a great advance for terror. Those who want to eliminate us, those who practice terror against us are not partners for peace.”

Signing the deal in the Egyptian capital Cairo with Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, Palestinian Authority President and Fatah front man, Mahmoud Abbas, said his people had decided to “turn the black page of division for ever”.

More about: Benjamin Netanyahu, Fatah, Hamas, Israel, Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian Territories

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