FATAH’S old demons — lack of leadership, petty quarrelling, corruption — have contributed to its dismal showing in the fight against Hamas in Gaza.

Israel’s next parliament must determine the country’s permanent borders, said acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, setting a four-year time frame for drawing the line between Israel and the West Bank.

Hamas would consider holding negotiations with Israel, a top leader of the Islamic militant group said in an interview broadcast today, indicating that the hardline group was moderating its tone ahead of Palestinian parliamentary elections.