News Brief

(IsraelNN.com) Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas called Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar Wednesday night to comfort him over the death of his son, who was among terrorists targeted in an IDF strike. It was the first time Abbas has spoken with the Hamas leader since the rival terrorist group staged a military takeover in Gaza last summer.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has stated that he would immediately end negotiations with Fatah leader Abbas if the two rival Arab factions were to discuss reuniting. Hamas spokesman Taher al-Nono stated that the telephone conversation between Abbas and al-Zahar "was very friendly and the two leaders spoke at length about the current political situation and they both stressed the unity of the Palestinian people regardless of the differences."