Fatah and Hamas agree to Palestinian unity government

[News_Editor]

Fatah and Hamas agree to Palestinian unity government

2011-04-28 03:23:10 GMT+7 (ICT)

CAIRO, EGYPT (BNO NEWS) -- Palestinian antagonist groups, Fatah and Hamas, on Wednesday reached an historic agreement for a future unity government, the Ma'an news agency reported.

Hamas leader Izzat Ar-Rishiq said that the two factions will sign the final reconciliation agreement in a week in Cairo, Egypt, when Mahmoud Abbas, Fatah leader and Palestinian Authority president, is expected to arrive.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Abbas to choose either peace with Israel or peace with Hamas as there "is no possibility for peace with both."

Israel blames Hamas from the constant rocket and terror attacks, mostly in its southern regions. Netanyahu said that the historic reconciliation demonstrates the weakness of Fatah and indicates that Hamas will seize control of the remaining Palestine territory, as it did in the Gaza Strip.

Fatah delegation chief Azzam al-Ahmad confirmed the deal and added that the two sides agreed on setting up a "government of independents," as well as preparing presidential and legislative elections in a year.

Furthermore, the Palestinian Authority rejected Netanyahu's remarks and added that the historic reconciliation is solely an internal Palestinian affair, as informed by Nabil Abu Rudeina, a spokesman for President Abbas.

In October 2009, Fatah and Hamas almost reached a similar deal but talks broke off after the latter protested that the terms of the agreement were reviewed without their consent.

Wednesday's agreement was possible due to the mediation of Egypt's new intelligence chief, Murad Muwafi. His predecessor, Omar Suleiman, unsuccessfully tried to solve the differences between the two Palestinian factions.

Last year, Israel and the Palestinian Authority stalled the peace negotiations, which were supported by the United States and the United Nations, after the Jewish nation refused to extend a moratorium on settlement building in occupied Palestinian territory in September.

In response, President Abbas broke off direct talks after as recommended by Hamas. Israel resumed settlement constructions even though they were labeled as a violation of international law by the international community.

Palestine demanded a stop to settlement construction in the disputed East Jerusalem and West Bank area as a key element for continuing peace talks, aimed at reaching a two-state solution based in the 1967 Green Line.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-04-28

[kuffki]

1 step forward and 5 steps backwards.

How is fatah now planning to gain recognition when its in partnership with organization regarded as terrorist by the entire world?(besides Iran of course)

And how does fatah plan to gain support when its partner does not recognize Israel right to exist.

So whats next, lets get recognized and in the mean time will just bomb Israel?

[bangkokeddy]

1 step forward and 5 steps backwards.

How is fatah now planning to gain recognition when its in partnership with organization regarded as terrorist by the entire world?(besides Iran of course)

UN's Serry welcomes 'overdue' Hamas-Fatah unity gov't

By JPOST.COM STAFF

04/28/2011 16:41

"Reunification is essential for achieving two-state solution," Mideast peace process coordinator says; EU to "study details" of Palestinian deal.

UN Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry said on Thursday that he supports Hamas and Fatah's efforts at unity, saying they were "overdue."

"Reunification is essential for achieving a two-state solution that should be reached through negotiations," Serry said in a statement, adding that he hopes that "reconciliation will now take place in a manner that promotes the cause of peace."

...

http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=218276

Moscow happy with Fatah-Hamas progress

Apr 28, 2011 15:13 Moscow Time

Moscow is satisfied with an agreement between rival Palestinian Fatah and Hamas factions to sign a truce and set up a joint interim government. Russia welcomes this significant step to restore stability in the region, a Foreign Ministry spokesman stated on Thursday.

...

http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/04/28/49587613.html

China welcomes Fatah-Hamas agreement on reconciliation

English.news.cn 2011-04-28 17:08:45

BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday said it welcomed a reconciliation agreement between the Palestinian movements of Fatah and Hamas.

"China welcomes the agreement on reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas of Palestine, and expects it will help enhance solidarity and coordination among parties in Palestine," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a regular news briefing on Thursday.

...

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-04/28/c_13850433.htm

Edited April 28, 2011 by bangkokeddy

[Steely Dan]

It's the old Trojan horse trick, which couldn't be much more obvious if it was wheeled up to a Gaza border crossing.

[kuffki]

UN's Serry welcomes 'overdue' Hamas-Fatah unity gov't

By JPOST.COM STAFF

04/28/2011 16:41

"Reunification is essential for achieving two-state solution," Mideast peace process coordinator says; EU to "study details" of Palestinian deal.

UN Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry said on Thursday that he supports Hamas and Fatah's efforts at unity, saying they were "overdue."

"Reunification is essential for achieving a two-state solution that should be reached through negotiations," Serry said in a statement, adding that he hopes that "reconciliation will now take place in a manner that promotes the cause of peace."

...

http://www.jpost.com....aspx?id=218276

i guess Robert Serry is not very familiar with Hamas policy's and stance, he might need to watch little more TV, especially news.

"Serry said in a statement, adding that he hopes that "reconciliation will now take place in a manner that promotes the cause of peace."

Since when Hamas was for peace????

Must be the same Robert Serry who equates Israeli settlers vandalism of olive trees as terrorism and considers it being the same as suicide bombers of Hamas

Edited April 28, 2011 by kuffki

[Ulysses G.]

Must be the same Robert Serry who equates Israeli settlers vandalism of olive trees as terrorism and considers it being the same as suicide bombers of Hamas

Sounds about right for the UN. 

[Jingthing]

The Palestinians are up to something big, that's for sure. Fareed Zakaria reckons the chances of Palestinian state within a year are 50/50. That's pretty incredible. While obviously I support the state of Israel, they really have to get their act together and fast as events are moving faster than it seems they have planned for.

[InterestedObserver]

The Palestinians are up to something big, that's for sure. Fareed Zakaria reckons the chances of Palestinian state within a year are 50/50. That's pretty incredible. While obviously I support the state of Israel, they really have to get their act together and fast as events are moving faster than it seems they have planned for.

I have yet to hear Hamas and Fatah or the Palestinians in general recognize Israels right to exist within secure, well defined borders. Then there is the Palestinians right of return issue, which would overwhelm any Israeli state population if allowed.

[Jingthing]

The Palestinians are up to something big, that's for sure. Fareed Zakaria reckons the chances of Palestinian state within a year are 50/50. That's pretty incredible. While obviously I support the state of Israel, they really have to get their act together and fast as events are moving faster than it seems they have planned for.

I have yet to hear Hamas and Fatah or the Palestinians in general recognize Israels right to exist within secure, well defined borders. Then there is the Palestinians right of return issue, which would overwhelm any Israeli state population if allowed.

Those are big issues for sure and without their resolution, no chance of peace.

[bangkokeddy]

The Palestinians are up to something big, that's for sure. Fareed Zakaria reckons the chances of Palestinian state within a year are 50/50. That's pretty incredible. While obviously I support the state of Israel, they really have to get their act together and fast as events are moving faster than it seems they have planned for.

I have yet to hear Hamas and Fatah or the Palestinians in general recognize Israels right to exist within secure, well defined borders. Then there is the Palestinians right of return issue, which would overwhelm any Israeli state population if allowed.

Right to exist??? What is that?

What 'Israel's right to exist' means to Palestinians

By John V. Whitbeck / February 2, 2007

Since the Palestinian elections in 2006, Israel and much of the West have asserted that the principal obstacle to any progress toward Israeli-Palestinian peace is the refusal of Hamas to "recognize Israel," or to "recognize Israel's existence," or to "recognize Israel's right to exist."

These three verbal formulations have been used by Israel, the United States, and the European Union as a rationale for collective punishment of the Palestinian people. The phrases are also used by the media, politicians, and even diplomats interchangeably, as though they mean the same thing. They do not.

... continue here:

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0202/p09s02-coop.html

[kuffki]

The Palestinians are up to something big, that's for sure. Fareed Zakaria reckons the chances of Palestinian state within a year are 50/50. That's pretty incredible. While obviously I support the state of Israel, they really have to get their act together and fast as events are moving faster than it seems they have planned for.

I have yet to hear Hamas and Fatah or the Palestinians in general recognize Israels right to exist within secure, well defined borders. Then there is the Palestinians right of return issue, which would overwhelm any Israeli state population if allowed.

Right to exist??? What is that?

What 'Israel's right to exist' means to Palestinians

By John V. Whitbeck / February 2, 2007

Since the Palestinian elections in 2006, Israel and much of the West have asserted that the principal obstacle to any progress toward Israeli-Palestinian peace is the refusal of Hamas to "recognize Israel," or to "recognize Israel's existence," or to "recognize Israel's right to exist."

These three verbal formulations have been used by Israel, the United States, and the European Union as a rationale for collective punishment of the Palestinian people. The phrases are also used by the media, politicians, and even diplomats interchangeably, as though they mean the same thing. They do not.

... continue here:

http://www.csmonitor...09s02-coop.html

Perhaps you could explain to us in your own words what that means, i am sure we can all use google and read it, so how about your personal interpretation of the words,

Also could you remind me again where exactly Palestine was? When exactly there was a Palestine? and what was its history and/or culture?

If memory serves me right, it was Jordanian, Syrian and Egyptian land which they lost in war with Israel, which they initiated-TWICE!

Now since 2 of 3 have recognized Israel and stopped attacking it, perhaps you could explain what right does so called Palestine has to attack it

Could you also explain when and how Israel is using collective punishment?

According to your own posts, people who vote for the government deserve what they get, so could you please elaborate why your line of thinking does not apply to Palestine

[Jingthing]

Semantic games here. The world knows what Israel means. They do not mean they expect Palestinians to ever be "happy" about the historic creation of the Jewish state of Israel. They mean simply to accept Israel with some agreed upon borders, live in peaceful coexistence with those final borders, and stop campaigning to destroy Zionism (Israel as a Jewish state) by violent means. This goes for the entire world that opposes Israel. Nary a peep about the over 50 Islamic states in the world, but such obsession with questioning the legitimacy of just ONE small Jewish one.

Edited April 28, 2011 by Jingthing

[bangkokeddy]

Semantic games here. The world knows what Israel means. They do not mean they expect Palestinians to ever be "happy" about the historic creation of the Jewish state of Israel. They mean simply to accept Israel with some agreed upon borders, live in peaceful coexistence with those final borders, and stop campaigning to destroy Zionism (Israel as a Jewish state) by violent means. This goes for the entire world that opposes Israel. Nary a peep about the over 50 Islamic states in the world, but such obsession with questioning the legitimacy of just ONE small Jewish one.

What borders?

What have "over 50 Islamic states in the world" to do with it? What are 'Islamic states' at all?

[kuffki]

Semantic games here. The world knows what Israel means. They do not mean they expect Palestinians to ever be "happy" about the historic creation of the Jewish state of Israel. They mean simply to accept Israel with some agreed upon borders, live in peaceful coexistence with those final borders, and stop campaigning to destroy Zionism (Israel as a Jewish state) by violent means. This goes for the entire world that opposes Israel. Nary a peep about the over 50 Islamic states in the world, but such obsession with questioning the legitimacy of just ONE small Jewish one.

What borders?

What have "over 50 Islamic states in the world" to do with it? What are 'Islamic states' at all?

The State of Israel was created in a peaceful and legal process by the United Nations. It was not created out of Palestinian lands, but rather out of the Ottoman Empire, which had been ruled for 400 years by the Turks who lost it when they, fighting alongside Germany, were defeated in World War I. There were no “Palestinian” lands at the time because there were no people claiming to be Palestinians, but rather simply Arabs who lived in the region of Palestine.

In 1947, a UN partition plan mandated the creation of two states on the remaining 20 percent of the Palestine Mandate: the State of Israel for the Jews, and another state for the stateless Arabs. But the rulers of eight Arab states did not want a non-Arab state anywhere in the Middle East. Thus they rejected the UN arrangement and simultaneously launched a three-front war of annihilation against the newly created state of Israel -- on the very day of its creation in 1948.

A state of war in the Middle East has continued uninterruptedly ever since, because most of the Arab states have refused to sign a peace treaty with Israel, and have refused to recognize the legitimacy of the Jewish state.

Had there been no invasion of Israel by Arab armies whose intent was overtly genocidal, there would have been a state of Palestine in the West Bank and Gaza since 1948.

[bangkokeddy]

^^

does it become an explanation in your own words if you simply don't indicate that your entire comment is a quote from somewhere else and you don't give a link to the source.

[Ulysses G.]

 

Also could you remind me again where exactly Palestine was? When exactly there was a Palestine? and what was its history and/or culture?

The eternal questions.

[kuffki]

^^

does it become an explanation in your own words if you simply don't indicate that your entire comment is a quote from somewhere else and you don't give a link to the source.

Does it matter if its my own words or links, you never accept either of it. but just for the record,

Here you go

http://www.discovert...egory.asp?id=38

PS. Would there be an answer to post 11?

Edited April 29, 2011 by kuffki

[Steely Dan]

The Palestinians are up to something big, that's for sure. Fareed Zakaria reckons the chances of Palestinian state within a year are 50/50. That's pretty incredible. While obviously I support the state of Israel, they really have to get their act together and fast as events are moving faster than it seems they have planned for.

Agreed. I think the plan is to give the pretence of Palestinian unity prior to September in the hope of getting a Palestinian state recognised before any Palestinian elections, the need for such elections will be used as the 'justification' for Hamas not recognising Israel's right to exist. Meanwhile the Muslim brotherhood in Egypt will cement power and try to throw open the Gaza border as soon as Palestine is recognised thus guaranteeing war - which is Hamas's objective.

Anyone hailing an agreement between Fatah and Hamas as anything more than a cynical tactic are sadly deluded. Hamas are Islamist and as such their core beliefs will not let then recognise a Jewish state on Arab land as they would regard it.

[geriatrickid]

Rather than make an announcemen of Hamas & Fatah unity, they should let the relationship blossom and then come back and inform the world that there was an actual working peaceful relationship for several months. I don't see this love fest lasting too long.

[kuffki]

US to reconsider PA funding following unity deal

Palestinian gov't remains in place despite a reconciliation deal, State Department says; however US lawmakers say after meeting Netanyahu that "US funding can't flow to gov't with group still on foreign terrorist list."

http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=218355

[Steely Dan]

US to reconsider PA funding following unity deal

Palestinian gov't remains in place despite a reconciliation deal, State Department says; however US lawmakers say after meeting Netanyahu that "US funding can't flow to gov't with group still on foreign terrorist list."

http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=218355

Perhaps Washington should also consider that Hamas was formed out of the Egyptian Muslim brotherhood, who are anything but secular contrary to the misguided comments from James Clapper, Obama's intelligence (ahem) chief. By the time the Muslim brotherhood are elected and show their true colours it will imho sadly be to late to avoid a major war.

http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2011/02/obamas-intel-chief-muslim-brotherhood-non-violent-secular.html

[midas]

it is so easy to see why Israel doesnt agree with all this........they are using

one of their many " tricks " once again

" Everything I have to say about Hamas and Fatah is that I’m sorry for

seeing Palestine divided.

US and Israel managed to divide Palestine, following the well-known

principle of “divide to conquer”. Divided, Palestinians are weak."

Carlos Latuff

http://occupiedpalestine.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/carlos-latuff-divided-palestinians-are-weak/

Edited April 29, 2011 by midas

[kuffki]

Sorry Midas, remind us again what and where Palestine was and is?

Please share some light on how Israel and USA interfered with Hamas policy"s and created problem between the 2 of them?

Was it USA or Israel who taught Hamas to insert gas baloons into fatah members backside and the set it to explode ???

Please feel free to provide credible links to support your statement.

Ossamabenladin.com unfortunately does not fall into the credible category , neither does the jihad.com

[bangkokeddy]

What does the post-Zionist say?

Uri Avnery

IN ONE word: Bravo!

The news about the reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas is good for peace. If the final difficulties are ironed out and a full agreement is signed by the two leaders, it will be a huge step forward for the Palestinians – and for us.

There is no sense in making peace with half a people. Making peace with the entire Palestinian people may be more difficult, but will be infinitely more fruitful.

Therefore: Bravo!

...

http://www.avnery-news.co.il/english/index.html

[Steely Dan]

What does the post-Zionist say?

Uri Avnery

IN ONE word: Bravo!

The news about the reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas is good for peace. If the final difficulties are ironed out and a full agreement is signed by the two leaders, it will be a huge step forward for the Palestinians – and for us.

There is no sense in making peace with half a people. Making peace with the entire Palestinian people may be more difficult, but will be infinitely more fruitful.

Therefore: Bravo!

...

http://www.avnery-news.co.il/english/index.html

This is actually quite interesting, but there are several assertions made which fly in the face of available evidence, for instance that Hamas are supposedly more moderate than they appear. I think Netanyahu is cautious, but it is not just the Palestinians he has to consider but also all the neighbouring potentially hostile states, which have had the luxury of being able to afford to lose multiple times in their attempts to destroy Israel - Israel can't afford to lose or they do so forever.

Then there is the reality that the Palestinians are just tools in a proxy war waged by various Muslim states against Israel. I doubt a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians would be recognised by some Islamic theocracies, though they have no need to advertise this at present.

[Huey]

I Hope they can stay united and get their act together as well as they can, considering the boot israel puts on it's neck. Support coming from some other nations like Russia or China would be great. Do they have any natural resources to bargain with, that the weren't stolen by the occupiers?

[kuffki]

I Hope they can stay united and get their act together as well as they can, considering the boot israel puts on it's neck. Support coming from some other nations like Russia or China would be great. Do they have any natural resources to bargain with, that the weren't stolen by the occupiers?

LMAO!

Support does not come from Russia or China

Support comes from the bad USA, Israel and European Union-mainly

Please tell us what the "occupiers" have stolen?

Also please tell us when and where there was Palestine and what exactly did they have?

Also, feel free to do some reading, where you will learn Gaza has huge gas reserves, they just do not do anything about it, because its easier to demand FREE money from other nations and stay so called "victims"

why bother to work, when it comes without hassle.

Edited May 2, 2011 by kuffki

[Pakboong]

Unfortunately, there remains what I call an underground war between the Palestinian resistance and groups of Israeli settlers including but not limited to "Gush Emunum" and it's splinter groups, "Bnei Akiva", "Machon Meir" and many others who work outside the sanction of the IDF and the Israeli government. The right or wrong of either side really doesn't matter that much and both sides work to undermind the peace process for their own political reasons/gains.

[Wallaby]

I Hope they can stay united and get their act together as well as they can, considering the boot israel puts on it's neck. Support coming from some other nations like Russia or China would be great. Do they have any natural resources to bargain with, that the weren't stolen by the occupiers?

LMAO!

Support does not come from Russia or China

Support comes from the bad USA, Israel and European Union-mainly

Please tell us what the "occupiers" have stolen?

Also please tell us when and where there was Palestine and what exactly did they have?

Also, feel free to do some reading, where you will learn Gaza has huge gas reserves, they just do not do anything about it, because its easier to demand FREE money from other nations and stay so called "victims"

why bother to work, when it comes without hassle.

Any and all land Israel acquired/stole after the agree borders set out by the UN.

[kuffki]

Unfortunately, there remains what I call an underground war between the Palestinian resistance and groups of Israeli settlers including but not limited to "Gush Emunum" and it's splinter groups, "Bnei Akiva", "Machon Meir" and many others who work outside the sanction of the IDF and the Israeli government. The right or wrong of either side really doesn't matter that much and both sides work to undermind the peace process for their own political reasons/gains.

1. The topic is not about underground war betweenPalestinian resistance and groups of Israeli settlers BUT about Fatah and Hamas agree to unity government

2. Since you brought up another one of your conspiracy theory's, be kind enough to provide evidence that so called splinter groups and many others work outside IDF or the government.

3. Also be kind enough to provide evidence that settlers who break the law go unpunished and Palestinians breaking the law get punished.

If you can not or do not wish(as you always chose that path) provide any evidence, please save your conspiracy theory's for your personal diary or a book, that you may wish to write.