The exchanges of fire between the rival Fatah and Hamas factions continued
Monday, but Palestinian sources have said that the two sides continue to hold intensive talks, including secret talks, on a national unity government.
Ynet has learned that the talks continued in recent days, since the Damascus meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal.
| Damascus Meeting |
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| Abbas, Mashaal fail to agree on unity government / Ali Waked and agencies |
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Leaders of PA rival factions Hamas and Fatah meet in Damascus in bid to end showdown, agree to reject idea of transitional Palestinian state |
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A source in Fatah reported that according to the delegation members, the atmosphere during the talks was positive and progress was made on the establishment of a Fatah-Hamas government.
Abbas recently said that if such a government was not established by the end of the week, he would consider bringing up the elections.
According to the Palestinian source, progress was made on the issue of the portfolios, but also on the most controversial issue – the government's basic guidelines determined by Abbas.
Hamas has so far demanded that the guidelines say that the government would honor the PLO and the Palestinian Authority's signed agreements, while Abbas demanded that the guidelines say that the government would be committed to the agreements.
The Palestinian source noted that Fares was very close to Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, who has good relations with Mashaal. Fares and Mashaal are also relatives.
PA officials said they hoped the picture would be made clear once the delegation returned to the territories.
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