Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday that he has always been ready to reunite with Hamas, despite United States objections. “The first time, I was asked not to sign on the Egyptian position for ending the conflict with Hamas. The Americans asked me not to sign, but I was determined, and sent a delegate to sign the Egyptian paper,” said Abbas, who claimed to have stood up to American pressure regarding Hamas at least eight times.

Abbas expressed willingness to visit Gaza and meet with Hamas' Gaza head, Ismail Haniyeh, but insisted that Hamas agree to hold PA elections.