Fatah, Hamas government talks fail
(VIDEO) Hamas, Fatah fail to make progress in negotiations on formation of coalition government; future meetings unlikely
VIDEO - Negotiations between rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas on the formation of a unity government ended with both sides failing to agree on a common program, Palestinian sources said on Wednesday.
Palestinians said the main deadlock was over Hamas’ refusal to accept a key Fatah demand that the Islamic group unequivocally accepts all agreements signed between the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel. Hamas has said that it would only study the accords.
Jericho prison the day after, demonstrations in territories (Footage: Reuters)
Hamas can form a government by itself, because it won an absolute majority in the parliament in January elections.
However, it has been negotiating with other factions to broaden its base, partly to deflect international criticism of its refusal to renounce violence or accept Israel.
Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar hosted Wednesday's talks at his home. Salah Bardawil of Hamas said party leaders would study the positions of the factions overnight.
"I don't think more consultations will lead to anything," he said, pledging to present a government soon.
Palestinian Authority sources told Ynet that Palestinian calls on leader Mahmoud Abbas to resign over his mishandling of Israel’s Jericho operation on Tuesday to arrest the killers of minister Rehavam Zeevi further deepens the split between the sides.
Hamas has until the end of the month to form a Cabinet if it uses all the time available under Palestinian law.
Fatah lawmaker Radwan al-Akhras, who took part in the negotiations, was not optimistic. "I cannot see any encouraging signs toward reaching an agreement over a joint program," he said.
Israel has already halted transfer of tens of millions of dollars in funds to the Palestinians, and Western donors threaten to cut vital aid because of Hamas policy.
Associated Press contributed to the report
