![Fatah Commissioner of National Affairs and Fatah Central Committee member Azzam Al-Ahmad (2nd R) and Hamas Political Bureau member Saleh Aruri (2nd L) sign an agreement on building a consensus in Cairo, Egypt on 12 October, 2017 [Ahmed Gamil/Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2017_10-12-Hamas-and-Fatah-reached-an-agreement-in-Egypt20171012_2_26244214_26741048-1.jpg)
The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) has congratulated the Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) on the 61st anniversary of its founding, calling for strengthened joint national action. In a statement issued on Thursday, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said the founding of Fatah marked a pivotal moment in the Palestinian national struggle and played a significant role in advancing the Palestinian people’s fight for freedom, independence and the right of return. Qassem stressed the importance of translating slogans of national unity into concrete action on the ground, particularly in light of what he described as escalating threats facing the Palestinian cause, most notably in the Gaza Strip. He concluded by paying tribute to Fatah’s martyrs, foremost among them the late Palestinian president […]
