Hamas, Fatah tensions heat up ahead of unity talks

Hamas accused the rival Fatah movement on Monday of arresting 80 members of the Islamist group

in a bid to sabotage Egyptian-brokered Palestinian reconciliation talks due to begin this week.

The issue underscores the challenges Cairo faces in trying to end Hamas-Fatah divisions and establish a unity government with a pro-peace policy that could lead to the lifting of an Israeli-led blockade on the Gaza Strip. (Reuters)