Egypt is continuing efforts to broker a settlement between Hamas and Fatah as PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) winds down his term in office.
 
Negotiations are aimed at obtaining a Hamas compromise that would give Fatah a rule once again in Gaza. Hamas has rejected most of the Egyptian proposals according to Israel Radio reports, but has indicated a willingness to relinquish the post of prime minister, stating it will not agree however to a government without Hamas representation.
 
Egypt views the Hamas concession as a step towards a possible dialogue, hoping to bring an end to faction fighting in Gaza and to strengthen the administration of Abu Mazen.
 
On the other side, Israeli intelligence is of the opinion that Hamas’ popularity continues to increase throughout PA autonomous areas in Yehuda and Shomron, and Israel is carefully monitoring events as officials fear Hamas may attempt to gain control of Yehuda and Shomron as well.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)