Hamas holds talks with Fatah in Cairo on Gaza war and Palestinian unity

Ahram Online , Monday 4 Nov 2024

Hamas announced on Monday that it held discussions with rival Palestinian faction Fatah in Cairo, focusing on the Israeli war on Gaza and efforts to achieve national consensus.

Hamas and Fatah

 

"A meeting was held with the brothers in the Fatah movement at a generous Egyptian invitation. They discussed various national issues, especially the war on Gaza and pathways for national action," senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan said in a video message.

Hamas and Fatah have been long-term rivals since a brief but intense conflict in 2007, after which Hamas took control of Gaza. Fatah continues to lead the Palestinian Authority, which maintains limited administrative authority over urban areas in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Hamdan noted that the talks included proposals for "the formation of a body to address Gaza's affairs and its needs on various issues until conditions allow for the establishment of a national consensus government."

He described the talks as "positive and frank."

Last month, Hamas announced that it had begun meetings with Fatah in Cairo, following a July agreement in Beijing among Palestinian factions, including Hamas, to work towards "national unity."

Hamdan added that Hamas leadership "will continue meetings and contacts with our brothers in Fatah."

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