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Israel - Palestine

Rival Palestinian factions discuss reconciliation

Representatives of rival Palestinian parties Hamas and Fatah are meeting in Damascus today to discuss efforts toward reconciliation. Fatah recently renewed direct talks with Israelis on reaching a two-state solution, drawing the ire of the Islamic movement Hamas.

Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal speaks about the Palestinian situation at a charity Iftar meal for Palestinians orphans during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan at a restaurant near Damascus
Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal speaks about the Palestinian situation at a charity Iftar meal for Palestinians orphans during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan at a restaurant near Damascus Reuters
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The meeting between Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmed and exiled Hamas political leader Khaled Meshaal takes place outside the renewed talks in Washington, but it might help move peace negotiations forward.

Though the Islamic movement Hamas is barred from official US-brokered talks with Israelis, many believe that the influence of Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, cannot be brushed aside in the peace process.

At the opening of peace talks in Washington between Palestinian and Israeli leaders, Hamas claimed two attacks on Israeli settlers in the West Bank early September.

Rosemary Hollis, professor of Middle East Policy Studies at City University in London, says there’s a constituency in Washington and even in Israel pushing to include Hamas, so that they are not sidelined and left to "sabotage" the talks.

“There’s a dilemma as to whether the exclusion of Hamas dooms the process to failure, because there is grave doubt that Palestinian President Abbas would be able to deliver on a deal reached with Israelis,” says Hollis.

Relations between Hamas and Fatah soured when Hamas forces in the Gaza Strip routed those loyal to Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas, following Hamas’ victory in general elections in 2006.

The United States is pressing Israelis and Palestinians to reach a deal as the end of a moratorium on Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories approaches. On Friday, the Israeli government raised the possibility of a compromise on settlement construction.

“Israel is prepared to reach a compromise acceptable to all parties,” a senior government said when asked about US President Barack Obama’s call to freeze all settlement construction.

The official, who asked not to be named, says “there cannot be zero construction in the West Bank”.
 

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