India welcomes Fatah-Hamas reconciliation agreement

India today welcomed the reconciliation agreement between warring Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas and hoped that it will promote the "realisation of aspirations" of the Palestinian people and lead to peace in the region.

"Government of India welcomes the reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas which ends the differences between the West Bank and Gaza and hopes that this would promote the realisation of aspirations of Palestinian people," a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The Government also hoped that the agreement will lead to peace and stability in the region.

Fatah and Hamas on Wednesday ended their four-year-old feud by striking a landmark deal brokered by Egypt.

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas and Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal reached the agreement which provides for creation of a joint caretaker Palestinian government ahead of national elections next year.

The agreement aims to put an end to the rivalry between the administrations in both West Bank and Gaza, and restores the unity shattered by deadly infighting in June 2007.

Fatah dominates the West Bank government while the Hamas rules in Gaza.