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Palestinian factions 'agree deal' Palestinian rivals in unity deal
(20 minutes later)
Rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas have agreed to form a national unity government after talks in the Saudi city of Mecca, officials say. Rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas have signed a deal to form a national unity government after talks in the Saudi city of Mecca.
Senior figures from both sides said a deal had been struck and would be signed in the coming hours. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas' exiled political chief Khaled Meshaal signed the deal after almost three days of talks.
There had been divisions over who would take the key post of interior minister. There had been divisions over cabinet posts and recognition of Israel.
The factions travelled to Saudi Arabia after weeks of violence between their supporters, which left more than 20 people dead in recent clashes in Gaza. The factions travelled to Saudi Arabia after weeks of deadly violence between their supporters in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas ousted Fatah from power in elections in January 2006.Hamas ousted Fatah from power in elections in January 2006.
Portfolios agreed Israel dilemma
The leaders of Hamas and Fatah assembled in a government building in Mecca for the signing of the deal.The leaders of Hamas and Fatah assembled in a government building in Mecca for the signing of the deal.
Mediators and officials from both factions had suggested that talks would have continued until a deal was reached.Mediators and officials from both factions had suggested that talks would have continued until a deal was reached.
Agreement was reached earlier on Thursday on candidates for most posts in a national unity government.Agreement was reached earlier on Thursday on candidates for most posts in a national unity government.
The key position of interior minister, with control over most of the Palestinian security forces, is expected to go to a compromise candidate acceptable to both parties.The key position of interior minister, with control over most of the Palestinian security forces, is expected to go to a compromise candidate acceptable to both parties.
But the BBC's Jon Leyne, in Gaza, says it is unclear in what form the new government would recognise the State of Israel.But the BBC's Jon Leyne, in Gaza, says it is unclear in what form the new government would recognise the State of Israel.
Hamas has previously refused to renounce violence or recognise the Jewish state.Hamas has previously refused to renounce violence or recognise the Jewish state.