GAZA, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- The leaders of two Palestinian parties, Fatah and Hamas announced in Gaza Monday they had reached agreement on forming a unity government within days.
Palestinian President and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas held talks with Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, who is a member of Hamas. Earlier this year, Hamas won a surprise majority in the Palestinian parliament, and numerous western countries that consider Hamas a terror organization suspended aid.
Under the agreement, both men would retain their position in the Palestinian Authority, although sources told Ynetnews Hamas will still refuse to recognize Israel's sovereignty.
The agreement was reached after mounting pressure from Abbas, who said he would exercise his authority and dissolve the Palestinian parliament if there was more foot-dragging, the report said.
There was no immediate response from Israel on the development.
