Egypt on Friday welcomed the Mecca agreement signed between the mainstream Palestinian factions of Fatah and Hamas on Thursday night, describing it as "the right direction" towards ending infighting.

In a statement, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit hailed the Fatah-Hamas deal signed in Saudi Arabia's Mecca as a big step in the right direction, urging both parties to abide by the accord.

He called on the various factions to iron out their differences and end infighting, stressing the importance of resorting to dialogue as a way to solve differences.

Moreover, Abul Gheit said Egypt has spared no efforts for reaching a Palestinian reconciliation, expressing hope that the agreement would be a step towards lifting the embargo imposed on the Palestinians, alleviating their sufferings and improving their abilities in preparation for using the appropriate atmosphere for resuming dialogue and peace negotiations.

The Mecca agreement consists of four major points. The first is a prohibition of shedding the Palestinian blood (ending all kinds of fighting) and the second is formation of a national unity government.

The third and fourth points in the agreement are related to the formation of Palestine Liberation Organization and also manifesting the political partnership among all Palestinian powers and factions.

Source: Xinhua