The Fatah-Hamas meeting failed to achieve its aims, though the sides agreed to continue dialogue.
Abbas was invited to Damascus by Syrian President Bashar Assad to discuss a number of issues, including ties between Syria and the PA and diplomatic initiatives for further territorial concessions from Israel. Abbas was accompanied by Saeb Erekat, the PA’s chief negotiator, and other prominent members of the Fatah faction.
While in Damascus, Abbas also met for three hours with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal, after their initial meeting planned for Saturday was cancelled. They discussed interim statehood, the status of PA-signed agreements prior to Hamas’ rise to power, and their wish to settle internal disputes through dialogue and not armed conflict. Agreement was only achieved regarding the last issue, and the two sides pledged to try their best to resolve issues in ways other than shootouts.
Tens of Arabs in Gaza have been killed over the last few months in shootouts and bombings between Hamas and Fatah gang members.
The topic of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, kidnapped by Hamas seven months ago, was never raised. Hamas announced on Sunday that it would not publicize further statements about Shalit or about the status of negotiations for his release, "in order not to aid the Zionist occupier." Reports of a deal involving the release of up to 1,400 terrorists in exchange for Shalit have been rampant over the past several months.
Hamas and Fatah entered into negotiations with each side holding something that the other side wants. Fatah, the faction of Abbas and the late Yasser Arafat, has achieved a measure of international recognition and legitimacy. Hamas, on the other hand, won the most seats in the PA during the last popular vote. The U.S. refuses to negotiate with Hamas because Hamas refuses to recognize Israel, renounce violence, and abide by prior agreements between Israel and the PA.
Defense Minister Amir Peretz, on the other hand, said at the Herzliya Conference that he does not automatically rule out Hamas as a negotiating partner. "We will be willing to talk with any Palestinian element," Peretz said, "even if it is Hamas - on condition that it recognizes the agreements made with Israel and the international agreements." Hamas has said many times that it would not do so.
Kassam Rockets Continue
A Kassam rocket was fired Monday afternoon towards the Negev, landing harmlessly outside an Israeli community. Palestinian terrorists fired three Kassams on Sunday, including one that landed just north of Sderot; no damage was caused. Friday night, as well, two Kassams landed harmlessly. Islamic Jihad announced, over the weekend, a campaign to fire 100 Kassam rockets towards Israel.
Israeli vehicles on the Jerusalem-Modiin highway and near Ramallah came under attack Sunday afternoon. A woman driving northwest of Ramallah was lightly wounded in one of the attacks, and was treated at the scene while the attackers escaped.
A 17-year-old PA Arab arrested for illegally infiltrating into Israel escaped police custody at a Petah Tikva courthouse on Sunday - even though his legs were cuffed. He climbed over a fence and got into a waiting car, which police later found abandoned.
IDF forces arrested over the night three wanted terrorists in Judea and Samaria, including two Hamas members south of Hevron.
Abbas was invited to Damascus by Syrian President Bashar Assad to discuss a number of issues, including ties between Syria and the PA and diplomatic initiatives for further territorial concessions from Israel. Abbas was accompanied by Saeb Erekat, the PA’s chief negotiator, and other prominent members of the Fatah faction.
While in Damascus, Abbas also met for three hours with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal, after their initial meeting planned for Saturday was cancelled. They discussed interim statehood, the status of PA-signed agreements prior to Hamas’ rise to power, and their wish to settle internal disputes through dialogue and not armed conflict. Agreement was only achieved regarding the last issue, and the two sides pledged to try their best to resolve issues in ways other than shootouts.
Tens of Arabs in Gaza have been killed over the last few months in shootouts and bombings between Hamas and Fatah gang members.
The topic of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, kidnapped by Hamas seven months ago, was never raised. Hamas announced on Sunday that it would not publicize further statements about Shalit or about the status of negotiations for his release, "in order not to aid the Zionist occupier." Reports of a deal involving the release of up to 1,400 terrorists in exchange for Shalit have been rampant over the past several months.
Hamas and Fatah entered into negotiations with each side holding something that the other side wants. Fatah, the faction of Abbas and the late Yasser Arafat, has achieved a measure of international recognition and legitimacy. Hamas, on the other hand, won the most seats in the PA during the last popular vote. The U.S. refuses to negotiate with Hamas because Hamas refuses to recognize Israel, renounce violence, and abide by prior agreements between Israel and the PA.
Defense Minister Amir Peretz, on the other hand, said at the Herzliya Conference that he does not automatically rule out Hamas as a negotiating partner. "We will be willing to talk with any Palestinian element," Peretz said, "even if it is Hamas - on condition that it recognizes the agreements made with Israel and the international agreements." Hamas has said many times that it would not do so.
Kassam Rockets Continue
A Kassam rocket was fired Monday afternoon towards the Negev, landing harmlessly outside an Israeli community. Palestinian terrorists fired three Kassams on Sunday, including one that landed just north of Sderot; no damage was caused. Friday night, as well, two Kassams landed harmlessly. Islamic Jihad announced, over the weekend, a campaign to fire 100 Kassam rockets towards Israel.
Israeli vehicles on the Jerusalem-Modiin highway and near Ramallah came under attack Sunday afternoon. A woman driving northwest of Ramallah was lightly wounded in one of the attacks, and was treated at the scene while the attackers escaped.
A 17-year-old PA Arab arrested for illegally infiltrating into Israel escaped police custody at a Petah Tikva courthouse on Sunday - even though his legs were cuffed. He climbed over a fence and got into a waiting car, which police later found abandoned.
IDF forces arrested over the night three wanted terrorists in Judea and Samaria, including two Hamas members south of Hevron.