Abbas met with Islamic Jihad leaders
Photo: Reuters
Abbas, Islamic Jihad leaders meet
Palestinian leader meets with terror group leaders in bid to maintain the current calm; two sides discuss Jihad integration into PLO institutions
GAZA - Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas met with Islamic Jihad leaders in the Gaza Strip Monday in a bid to implement intra-Palestinian understandings reached in Cairo recently.
The meeting reportedly focused on integrating the Islamic Jihad and the Hamas into Palestine Liberation Organization institutions. Abbas is also expected to meet with Hamas leaders to discuss the matter.
During the Cairo talks, it was decided that Palestinian factions that are not members of the PLO, and particularly the Hamas and Jihad, would join the organization’s institutions in order to form a decision-making body comprised of all Palestinian organizations.
Fatah concerned about upcoming elections
After the meeting, Abbas said Israeli plans to expand West Bank settlements are unacceptable.
“Settlement activity must be halted,” he said.
Ynet has learned that Monday’s meeting also addressed ways to maintain the current calm, ahead of Israel’s Gaza pullout plan. Earlier, Abbas convened the Fatah’s Revolutionary Council to discuss the ruling faction’s preparations ahead of upcoming elections.
Recently, Fatah members expressed their concern over a decline in Fatah’s power and a boost in support for Hamas.
