Talks between Fatah and Hamas have broken down, negotiators announced Thursday. The rival terror networks plan to resume negotiations next month after a brief hiatus.

The talks were mediated by Egypt and took place in Cairo. Egyptian officials were upset over the failure to reach common ground, sources in both Fatah and Hamas said.

The two terror groups have held talks before, in hopes of recreating the unity Fatah-Hamas Palestinian Authority that controlled much of Judea, Samaria and Gaza until the groups split following a dramatic battle for Gaza. Previous talks have failed to show results, but leaders on both sides say they will keep trying.

Damascus-based Hamas political bureau Khaled Mashaal blamed “foreign conditions” for the latest failure to reach a deal. Foreign influence led to a demand that Hamas recognize Israel, he said.

"What is the connection between recognition of Israel and Palestinian recognition?” Mashaal asked rhetorically.

Fatah officials may fear that an international boycott of Hamas would be extended to a joint Hamas-Fatah authority if Hamas continues to reject international conditions for recognition, such as accepting past agreements with Israel.

Delegation members seemed to be at odds over whether or not there was any progress made in the latest round of dialogue. “The talks failed to achieve any progress,” said senior Hamas official Izat a-Reshek. Egyptian officials made similar statements, as did at least one member of the Fatah delegation.

However, Fatah delegate Azzam el-Ahmed said progress had been made despite the failure to reach a final agreement. “The talks reached a decisive stage,” he said, adding that the next step depends on Fatah and Hamas leaders.