Palestinians ink unity deal

Makkah: Rival Palestinian leaders have signed a deal to form a national unity government in a bid to avert civil war after weeks of deadly infighting in Gaza.

Under the deal, Hamas promised to "respect" peace deals with Israel, delegates said.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal signed the deal in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

Meshaal said the accord "will unify our ranks. There is a commitment and unity. We will perseve this partnership".

Abbas said the deal would "satisfy our people ... and bring us to the shores of peace." He asked Hamas' Prime Minister Esmail Haniyeh to form the new government.

In Gaza City, celebratory gunfire erupted after the accord was announced. Sirens were also heard while green Hamas or yellow Fatah flags were seen decorated on cars.

"We've been holding our breath. God willing, this is a permanent agreement, not a temporary truce," said Mahmoud Qassam, a Gaza resident.

As part of the deal, the Hamas prime minister will keep his post, while the interior ministry post will go to an independent candidate. Fatah will name a deputy prime mininster.

Under the initial agreement, Hamas would take nine posts in a new government, while another six would go to Fatah.