Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas told Hamas leaders he is willing to consult with them before making a decision on the fate of land and assets to be evacuated by Israel in the framework of the disengagement plan. PA officials confirmed the report Tuesday. Abbas made the remarks during a meeting Tuesday, convened to discuss the integration of Hamas into the Palestinian Liberation Organization. Earlier, Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar asked Abbas to establish a joint committee comprised of several Palestinian factions, which would be tasked with making a decision on the fate of Israeli property in Gaza. A close Abbas associate said an agreement in principle was reached on forming the committee, but added the faction representatives in the committee have not yet been selected. ‘PLO convention irrelevant’ Meanwhile, the Palestinian leader continues in his efforts to integrate Palestinian factions into the PLO, in line with decisions taken in the recent Cairo talks. Islamic Jihad representatives took part in the PLO’s Executive Committee meeting for the first time since the leading Palestinian movement was established. Hamas members were also expected to attend, but later announced they would not participate in the session before several matters are finalized. Meanwhile, Hamas spokesman Mushir al-Masri said the PLO’s convention, which recognizes the existence of Israel, is irrelevant. “What is defined as a strategic choice, that is, the Oslo Accords and the other agreements, is only one phase in our doctrine,” he said. “We continue to be committed to the (Hamas) movement’s views.