Palestinian Fatah, Hamas in reconciliation talks in Gaza

A delegation representing the Palestinian presidency in Ramallah, headed by member of Fatah's Central Committee Azzam Al-Ahmad, arrived in Gaza Strip Tuesday and went into immediate meeting with Hamas politburo deputy chief Ismail Haniya in his house. The visit is aimed at boosting reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah, the two major Palestinian factions. Hundreds of Palestinian factions' activists held a demonstration as the delegation arrived at Haniya's house, calling for end of division between Fatah and Hamas, and implementing reconciliation agreements. Haniya, speaking during the meeting with the Fatah delegation, called for ending the years-old division and complete reconciliation in line with a genuine partnership that include all Palestinians. "Reconciliation is a national Palestinian choice," he said, and affirmed commitment to the Egyptian sponsorship of the reconciliation endeavors. Haniya, meanwhile, criticized the negotiations between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, saying they would not "be successful." Azzam Al-Ahmad, for his part, said it was high time to end the division among the Palestinians, form a government of national unity and holding general elections. He said the talks in Gaza would deal with the government formation, setting a date for elections and resumption of meetings of a committee tasked with activating the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). "We came here to implement, end division and look forward for what is best for the Palestinian people," he said