On air at 17&18GMT: Does the Fatah Hamas deal change anything?
| 09:23 UK time, Thursday, 28 April 2011
Hi. Ros here. Just updating Nuala's post. Israeli spokesperson Mark Regev has confirmed for the show. We're trying to arrange Fatah and Hamas guests as well.
Nuala's original post:
The Fatah party of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas, which governs Gaza, have agreed a reconciliation deal, officials say.Under the Egyptian-brokered deal, an interim government will be formed and a date fixed for elections.
What do you make of this development? Israel says the Palestinian Authority could not have peace with both Israel and Hamas
Here's what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "I hope the Palestinian Authority will make the right choice - peace with Israel."
The ´óÏó´«Ã½'s Wyre Davies in Jerusalem says the Netanyahu government has repeatedly said it will not sit down and talk about a two-state solution if Hamas is any way involved.
Hamas has carried out bombings and rocket attacks against Israel for years and does not recognise its right to exist.
The US responded to the news by saying that any Palestinian unity government would have to renounce violence and recognise Israel.
What does this mean then for the chances of an independent Palestinian state? What will this mean for peace in the region?
