Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hamas Seeks Talks With Fatah Over Gaza

Meetings could begin next week, but Fatah leaders skeptical

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 11, 2007 4:28 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Hamas officials said yesterday they are prepared to meet with Fatah leaders to discuss the future of the Gaza Strip, and indicated they might give up control of the region they've held since June. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has insisted Hamas hand over Gaza and recognize his authority before talks could begin. Meanwhile, the area sinks deeper into an economic abyss created by foreign sanctions and an Israeli blockade.

"We have agreed to hold a dialogue with Fatah in one of the Arab capitals," said former Hamas prime minister Ismail Haniyeh. "Our administration in Gaza is temporary." An official linked to both groups said talks could be held as early as next week, most likely in Cairo. But an Abbas aide discredited the reports as an insincere effort by Hamas to appear to be "advocates of dialogue."

Palestinians carrying yellow Fatah flags run after Israeli troops opened fire near the Erez crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel, Monday, Oct. 1, 2007.
Palestinians carrying yellow Fatah flags run after Israeli troops opened fire near the Erez crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel, Monday, Oct. 1, 2007.   (Associated Press)
Palestinians carrying yellow Fatah flags run after Israeli troops opened fire near the Erez crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel, Monday, Oct. 1, 2007.
Palestinians carrying yellow Fatah flags run after Israeli troops opened fire near the Erez crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel, Monday, Oct. 1, 2007.   (Associated Press)
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks to the media.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks to the media.   (Associated Press)
A Hamas militant holds his weapon as he participates in a military exercise in the Jebaliya Refugee Camp, northern Gaza Strip, early Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)
A Hamas militant holds his weapon as he participates in a military exercise in the Jebaliya Refugee Camp, northern Gaza Strip, early Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Both sides fought dirty in June war
Reuters

Fatah
Wikipedia

Hamas
Wikipedia

 
Israel • Gaza • Mahmoud Abbas • Palestine • Hamas • Fatah • Israel and Palestinians

More Newser Stories

Olmert Proposes New West Bank, Gaza Borders

Gaza Fighting Kills at Least 23

Gaza in Worst Crisis in 40 Years, Charities Warn

Abbas Backs Down, Will Resume Talks

Gaza Violence Endangers Peace Talks
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne