Hamas endorses Mahmoud Abbas' appointment as PM for elections Gaza, Ramallah, Doha – Mohammad Habib/ Sona Al-Deek/ Jamal al-Mojaida  Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas politburo Chief Khalid Meshaal signed a new agreement in Qatar titled “Doha Declaration” which sets the implementation of the Palestinian National Reconciliation's articles. The agreement includes the formation of an interim government to prepare for the presidential and legislative elections; the reformation of the Palestinian National Council, and the prosecution of PLO's activities during the elections.
The agreement also included the release of all political prisoners, and stressed the importance of Cairo's agreements about the work of the Central Elections Committee (CEC) in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem.
Abbas stated that the reconciliation is a vital benefit both for Palestinians and Arabs. The PA President then expressed his gratitude to Egypt and Qatar for the efforts made to achieve it.
Other news reported that an agreement has been reached to postpone the presidential and legislative elections for procedural reasons.
Meshaal said that Hamas and Fatah are serious about ending divisions and achieving national unity. Meanwhile, Abbas announced in Doha the release of 64 detainees, as part of the deal to release all Hamas detainees in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, informed Palestinian sources stated that disputes broke out among Hamas leaders, particularly within the political bureau, on the preliminary agreement, between Meshaal and Abbas, on the PA leader's appointment for the presidency of the interim government. Sources revealed that the Hamas delegation in Qatar expressed its refusal to such proposal.
Palestinian sources said, earlier on Monday, that Fatah and Hamas were discussing a Qatari proposal that would see Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas serving as interim prime minister of the PA, following meetings with Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal in Doha Sunday.
During the meetings in Qatar, the leaders of the rival Palestinian factions agreed to form an interim government, which would prepare for and serve until elections are held, Palestinian news agency Maan reported.
Azzam Al-Ahmed, a top Abbas' aide, said that the two parties agreed on the formation of a unity government and to holding new elections in the near future.
Al-Ahmed said the two men also managed to solve a number of problems hindering the implementation of the reconciliation agreement, such as the travel ban imposed by Hamas on Fatah officials in the Gaza Strip, and the issuing of Palestinian passports to residents of the West Bank.