Hamas has said it is ready to hold talks with the rival Fatah movement, and also expressed willingness to dissolve its governing body in the Gaza Strip and hold a general election.
A statement, released on Sunday, is seen as a significant attempt to end the 10-year rift that started when Hamas forced the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority (PA) out of Gaza in 2007. The last general election was held in 2006 when Hamas, which is designated a terrorist group by the UK and the US, among others, swept to power.
The announcement followed indirect negotiations between the two Palestinian groups, led by the Egyptian General Intelligence Services in Cairo.
Fatah’s deputy leader Mahmoud al-Aloul gave a tentative welcome to the news and called for other issues to be resolved, including control of border crossings. Hamas, led by Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, said it was ready for negotiations for a unity government, but it is not clear whether it is ready to place its security forces under the control of President Mahmoud Abbas.
The move also comes after a series of PA measures designed to pressure Hamas, including reduction of electricity in Gaza and cutting of salaries.
