RAMALLAH, October 12, 2017 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas hailed on Thursday the reconciliation agreement reached between Fatah and Hamas in Cairo and called for restoration of national unity.

The two parties signed in Cairo an agreement that would allow the National Consensus Government to be in charge of Gaza affairs, just as in the West Bank, paving the way for restoration of unity between the West Bank and Gaza Strip split since Hamas took control of Gaza in June 2007 after pushing the Palestinian Authority‘s security forces out.

“What was agreed upon strengthens and accelerates the steps to end the division and restore the unity of the Palestinian people, land and institutions,” said President Abbas.

He gave directions to the government and all agencies and institutions “to intensify work to implement what was agreed upon.”

He called on all forces and factions “to exert all efforts to achieve what our people are aspiring for in restoring unity.”

The President extended his thanks and appreciation to President Abdel Fattah al Sisi for the big role played by the Arab Republic of Egypt in achieving this important endeavor.

M.K.