Tel Aviv: Israel has criticised a reconciliation deal between rival Palestinian factions, Fatah and Hamas. The foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman warned that Israel would not negotiate with the new unity government.
The US also responded coolly, saying the government that resulted must recognise Israel and renounce violence.
Under the agreement brokered in Egypt on Wednesday, an interim Palestinian government will be formed and a date fixed for elections.
Palestinians hope the move will end infighting that was politically damaging and caused hundreds of deaths.
The Fatah party of the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas – which runs parts of the West Bank – and Hamas, which governs Gaza, have been divided for more than four years.
Their surprise deal, announced and brokered in Cairo, came after months of failed rounds of talks.
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