Hamas and Fatah fail to agree govt deal

Negotiators from Islamic Hamas and Fatah, the party it defeated in January’s Palestinian elections, failed to make progress in talks today about a new government, both sides said, and further consultations appeared unlikely.

Hamas can form a government by itself because it won an absolute majority in the parliament in the elections. However, it has been negotiating with other factions to broaden its base, partly to deflect international criticism of its refusal to renounce violence or accept Israel.

Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar hosted today’s talks at his home. Salah Bardawil of Hamas said party leaders would study the positions of the factions overnight. “I don’t think more consultations will lead to anything,” he said, pledging to present a government soon.

Hamas has until the end of the month to form a Cabinet if it uses all the time available under Palestinian law.

Fatah, headed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, insists that the new government must accept interim peace accords signed by previous Palestinian regimes. Hamas has said only that it would study the accords.

Israel has already halted the transfer of tens of millions of dollars in funds to the Palestinians, while Western donors threaten to cut vital aid because of Hamas policy.