Region | Palestinian Territories
Hamas accepts referendum
Palestinian factions, including governing Hamas, have accepted President Mahmoud Abbas' referendum on a manifesto that recognises Israel, officials said on Tuesday.
- Agencies
- Published: 00:00 June 27, 2006
Gaza: Palestinian factions, including governing Hamas, have accepted President Mahmoud Abbas' referendum on a manifesto that recognises Israel, officials said on Tuesday.
However, Hamas insisted it was sticking to its "agenda of resistance" against Israel.
"The document included a clear clause referring to the non-recognition of the legitimacy of [Israel]," said Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri.
Only the Islamic Jihad skipped the agreement, which comes a day after Israel warned Palestinian militants of massive military retaliation over the abduction of an Israeli soldier.
Rawhi Fattouh, a senior aide to Abbas, said Hamas Prime Minister Esmail Haniyeh would formally announce the deal later in the day.
Officials said Abbas and Haniyeh agreed on a platform based on the manifesto, accepting a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The phrasing also noted that moves toward statehood, including peace initiatives with Israel, must serve Palestinian interests.
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