As Abbas, the Palestinian President, demanded nationwide elections in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, Hamas announced on Sunday that it has accepted his demands.

Their acceptance comes as a reconciliation deal after Palestinians have been divided between two governments for a decade now.

We are "responding to the generous Egyptian efforts, which reflect the Egyptian desire to end the split and achieve reconciliation, and based on our desire to achieve national unity", said the Gaza-based militant group.

Hamas invited Abbas’ government to return to Gaza and was ready to hold new elections, according to The National news website.

In 2007, Abbas’ forces were driven out of Gaza and left in control of only areas of the West Bank.

The Gaza blockade has weakened Hamas, and left Gaza with a bad economic situation.