Sir: There has been a major conflict between two Palestinian political parties, Fatah and Hamas, for ages. The tension between the two parties began to emerge in 2005 after the death of Palestinian Liberation Organisation’s (PLO’s) renowned leader Yasser Arafat who died in 2004. This tension intensified and strengthened after Hamas won the 2006 elections. Different stakeholders played their roles in the rise of this tension for the sake of their interests. Now Fatah and its rival Hamas factions have signed a reconciliation deal after so many years. All points of difference have been overcome. They have also agreed to form an interim government before the upcoming elections. It is expected that this reconciliation pact will provide the people of Palestine the chance to breathe a sigh of relief. The UN chief has also welcomed this reconciliation deal; on the other hand, Israel has opposed it and showed its concern on the deal as it considers Hamas a terrorist organisation. Whatever Israel’s stance is on the deal, the friction in the wings has been smoothening and it is better for the peace and security of the region. HAFIZ MUHAMMAD IRFAN Islamabad