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May 3, 2011

Palestinian Factions Sign Deal, Israel Withholds Millions In Funds As Punishment 
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Thirteen Palestinian factions, including Fatah and Hamas, have signed a
reconciliation deal that will pave the way for elections within a year.
The deal was signed following talks with Egyptian officials in Cairo.
Meanwhile, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad says the Palestinian
Authority may not be able to pay for the salaries for about 130,000
public employees or anything else if Israel does not release about $100
million in funds collected over the last month on behalf of the
Palestinian Authority. Israel is withholding the funds to punish Fatah
for reaching a deal with Hamas. Fayyad said, “Israel has no right to
withhold this money. This is Palestinian money and it is not a grant or
charity from Israel.”



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