King Abdullah had a phone call today with Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ Chief of the Political Bureau, according to a statement issued by the Palestinian organisation.

The King affirmed Jordan’s support for Palestinians against the challenges they are facing, and he congratulated Palestinians for the signing of the reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas.

He stressed the necessity of prioritising the Palestinian case, and the importance of coordination between the Kingdom and the Palestinian National Authority in the coming stages.

According to the statement, Haniyeh reviewed the latest political developments regarding Hamas’ reconciliation with Fatah, stressing that Hamas is serious about applying the terms of the agreement.

The Palestinian leader also expressed Hamas’ gratitude to Jordan for its custodianship over holy shrines in Jerusalem.

Tensions between Hamas and Fatah reached their peak after Hamas defeated Fatah in the Palestinian legislative elections of 2006, resulting in the split of the Palestinian National Authority, and Hamas taking over of Gaza in 2007.