Israel announces conditions to accept Palestinian reconciliation

Palestinian Fatah movement leader Azzam Al-Ahmad (6th L) and Deputy Chairman of the Movement’s Political Bureau Saleh Al-Arouri (7th L) pose for a photo with head of Egyptian Intelligence Service Khaled Fawzy (8th R) after signing the reconciliation agreement in Cairo, Egypt on 12 October 2017 [Ahmed Gamil/Anadolu Agency]

Israeli officials have announced their conditions for accepting the Palestinian reconciliation agreement signed on Thursday between Fatah and the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, in the Egyptian capital Cairo.

According to officials in the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, “Any reconciliation between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas must meet the Quartet’s conditions: accepting international agreements, recognising Israel and disarming Hamas.” They explained that Israel will not accept any reconciliation that does not include these points.

“Continued tunnel activity, rocket building and the exporting of terrorism against Israel is in contradiction of the Quartet’s conditions and US efforts to restart the diplomatic process,” the officials added.

Moreover, Israel is also demanding the immediate release of the bodies of Israeli soldiers Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, as well as two civilians — Abera Mengistu and Hisham Al-Sayyed — allegedly held by Hamas.

Read: Reconciliation is the least that can be achieved

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