Abbas Calls for Renewed Talks With Hamas

About-face signals frustration with Bush-led peace talks
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 5, 2008 5:57 AM CDT
Abbas Calls for Renewed Talks With Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, right, stands with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as he signs the guest book prior to their meeting in Jerusalem, Monday, June 2, 2008.    (AP Photo/GPO, Moshe Milner, HO)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas offered an unexpected olive branch to Hamas yesterday, reports the New York Times. Abbas, in control of only the West Bank since the Islamic militant group seized Gaza last year, said it was time for national unity talks aimed at forming a new government. The move could signal the total breakdown of faltering peace talks with Israel.

Israel remains opposed to direct talks with Hamas and has threatened to cut off talks with Abbas if he makes amends with the group. In his call for unity, Abbas appeared to have dropped his demand for Hamas to give up control of Gaza. A spokesman for Hamas, which has gained popularity against Abbas' Fatah party over the last year, welcomed the leader's change in tone. (More Mahmoud Abbas stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X