Palestinian unity talks hit new snag

Renewed coalition negotiations between the rival Fatah and Hamas movements hit a new snag today, people close to the negotiations said, raising the possibility of a new round of political violence.

In recent days, negotiators had reported significant progress in the talks, being held in the Syrian capital Damascus.

But Fatah’s chief negotiator left Damascus today, and it was not clear whether a new round of talks would be held, the officials said.

Tensions have been high for the past year since Hamas defeated President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah movement in legislative elections.

Abbas favours peace talks with Israel, while Hamas remains committed to Israel’s destruction, despite an international boycott against the Hamas-led government.

Abbas has been pushing Hamas to join him in a more moderate coalition.

Those talks broke down in November, leading to a month of political violence that killed 35 people in the Gaza Strip.

The Damascus talks have been aimed at ending the infighting and renewing coalition talks.

In Gaza, Hamas spokesman Ismail Radwan said the group remained committed to a negotiated solution.

“We have not closed the door of discussions, but we don’t know where it has reached,” he said.