Several leaders of the Fatah faction, led by Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, visited Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar Thursday in Gaza City, the first time the parties have held direct talks since the Hamas military takeover in Gaza last summer. The visit followed a phone call from Abbas to al-Zahar, whose son, a terrorist leader, was killed in an IDF strike.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said he will not continue negotiations with Abbas if Fatah renews attempts to forge an alliance with Hamas.