Egypt releases 30 Fatah and Hamas abductees

Egypt's endeavors of mediation between Palestinian Fatah and Hamas movements have managed to secure the release of 30 abductees from both movements as a result of their recent clashes.

This progress comes within the framework of efforts exerted by the committee which supervises the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between the two movements in order to shore it up.

Following a meeting at the headquarters of Egypt's high-level security delegation in Gaza City, the rival factions asked their members to abide by the agreement and withdraw from the streets.

In a joint statement, Fatah and Hamas vowed to dismantle roadblocks and take all measures necessary to bring security and peace to the streets. They also called for ending mutual media incitement.

Borhan Hammad, the head of the Egyptian security delegation, said the meeting was aimed at strengthening Saturday's ceasefire.

He added that Hamas and Fatah agreed to exchange hostages captured during the recent clashes.

Voicing hope that the ceasefire reached by Palestinian factions operating in the Gaza Strip will hold after a week of deadly clashes, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on all sides to abide by its terms and urged the Palestinian Authority to “take the necessary steps to restore law and order.” Ban thanked Egypt for its work in brokering the ceasefire, which took effect on Saturday after a week of fighting in which dozens of people have been killed in Gaza.