Fatah and Hamas agree peace deal

Rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas have sealed a landmark pact aimed at ending their bitter four-year rift.

The ceremony took place at the Egyptian intelligence headquarters in Cairo.

Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the accord ends “four black years” that hurt national Palestinian interests. He also said at the ceremony that he would soon visit Hamas-held Gaza Strip.

The pact provides for the creation of a joint caretaker Palestinian government ahead of national elections next year.