MECCA, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of rival Fatah and Hamas movements on Thursday night signed agreement on forming a Palestinian national unity government, Qatar-based al-Jazeera English channel TV reported.

    According to footage on the al-Jazeera, Nabil Amr, advisor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, announced that Hamas and Fatah agreed to form a national unity government after Mecca talks under the sponsorship of Saudi King Abdullah Ibn Abdul-Aziz.

    Abbas and exiled Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal signed the agreement on behalf of the two sides following the announcement.

    Saudi King Abdullah and Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haneya also attended the signing ceremony, according to al-Jazeera.