Egypt has welcomed the agreement reached by Hamas and Fatah movements on the formation of national unity government. Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit has praised the agreement, describing it as a big step towards reconciliation.

He urged both sides to abide by their commitments. He said Egypt has been always concerned with achieving Palestinian reconciliation and spared no effort to achieve this target.

Abul-Gheit expressed hope that this agreement would represent a step on the path towards lifting off the siege on the Palestinian people, alleviating their sufferings and improving Palestinian capabilities in preparation for the resumption of dialogue and peace negotiations with the aim of setting up the Palestinian state.

Abul-Gheit expressed Egypt's deep concern over the complicating situation in Jerusalem denouncing the Israeli troops attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque.

He called on Israel to desist from its hostile acts saying Egypt's government and people stand by the Palestinian people at these difficult circumstances.

He warned Tel-Aviv against souring the climate which all parties are seeking to provide for establishing the peace hoped for.

On his part, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has thanked Egypt, its embassy in Palestine and the Egyptian security delegation which have been exerting relentless efforts in support of the Palestinian cause.

He said we have passed through black days which will never be allowed to return again and turned a new chapter in efforts to set up a national unity government.

He said we have also started a march for establishing security and stability to our people.

Israeli Ambassador to Egypt Shalom Cohen left Cairo Friday for Tel Aviv to convey Egypt's protest at the Israeli digging work near the compound of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest shrine.

Cohen was recalled by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry to denounce Israeli violations of the sanctity of the mosque's compound.