Palestinian factions sign reconciliation deal in Algeria

Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune (center) poses with Hamas leader Ismaïl Haniyeh (left) and Azzam al-Ahmad, the head of the Fatah delegation (right), during the meeting of the various Palestinian factions in Algiers, October 12, 2022. © Algerian Presidency / AFP

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After more than 15 years of division, the various Palestinian factions, including rivals Hamas and Fatah, signed a reconciliation agreement on Thursday (October 13th) under the aegis of Algeria.

Baptized “ 

 ”, this agreement notably provides for the holding of legislative and presidential elections in Palestine within a year.

While this is not the first time such an agreement has been reached, previous Palestinian attempts have never materialized.

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With our correspondent in Jerusalem,

After 48 hours of negotiations

in Algiers, the Algerian and Palestinian anthems resounded in front of a large audience.

A grandiose ceremony, strong in symbols, held at the Palais des Nations in Algiers.

It was at this same location in 1988 that Yasser Arafat, leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), announced the creation of a Palestinian state.

Under the eye of the Algerian television cameras,

seem to be playing the game, the speeches are unifying.

“ 

 ,” said Azzam al-Ahmad, head of the Fatah delegation.

Hamas leader Ismaïl Haniyeh for his part hails " 

 ".

"

History

"

Is this a real reconciliation or empty words supposed to please the Algerian ally, faithful supporter of the Palestinian cause?

Difficult to answer this question.

Certain signs do not deceive, however: this reconciliation, presented as " 

 ", was held in the absence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

A paragraph on forming a government of national unity was also dropped from the final text at the last minute.

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• Algeria

• Palestinian territories

• Israelo-Palestinian conflict

• Mahmoud Abbas