Palestinians cautious but optimistic over unity deal

04/05/11 17:13 CET

world news

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In Gaza, amid some scepticism, many Palestinians showed renewed hope for their future after the unity deal between Hamas and Fatah. Among the Gazans’ chants and signs was the slogan ‘long live unity!’

One resident says: “The reconciliation has pleased everyone in the Gaza Strip. We have been in suspense for four years, waiting for it. The rift disrupted so many things here.”

Public reaction in the West Bank administrative capital Ramallah was more low key. But people still took a stab at optimism.

One Ramallan said: “I am satisfied because the national reconciliation is finally signed, after four years of division between Gaza and the West Bank. The people are now united, facing an end to occupation.”

The northern West Bank city of Jenin (with a population of some 40,000) also has a refugee camp (of some 10,000). There, women and children celebrated the step towards more cooperation between the Palestinians’ different factions by releasing coloured balloons.

More about: Fatah, Hamas, Mahmoud Abbas, Mideast, Palestinian Territories, Protest

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