Hamas and Fatah terrorist leaders will convene in Cairo today, Thursday as Egypt continues efforts to broker a deal between the rival factions.

Since Hamas succeeded in ousting the Fatah leadership in Gaza, it has assumed total control of the area, ousting PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) and his Fatah leaders, who are now persona non grata in Gaza, fighting to maintain their waning foothold over autonomous areas throughout Yehuda and Shomron as PA residents seem to favor Islamic fundamentalism.

Hamas continues growing in popularity and Abu Mazen is perceived as the moderate of the two [by Israel and the West], Israel’s “peace partner” who during the outgoing administration’s term was the recipient of numerous “good-will” prisoner releases by Ehud Olmert, who released over 1,000 terrorists. Abu Mazen on the other hand has done nothing to expedite the release of Gilad Shalit.

Meanwhile, back in Cairo, a third offer towards signing a deal between the rival factions was rejected by negotiators on Wednesday.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)