According to the Bethlehem-based Maan news agency, senior Hamas terrorists have denied reports that the group agreed to return control of Gaza to the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority.   The reports were first published in the London-based Arabic paper A-Sharq al-Awsat.

Hamas leaders said they do not plan to give PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas control of Gaza at this time, but called on Abbas to negotiate with Hamas over the creation of a joint Hamas-Fatah PA.  Abbas has said that he will not negotiate until Hamas cedes control of Gaza.