[Ma'an] Five Palestinian factions called on Hamas to sign the Egyptian reconciliation document during a meeting at the Popular Struggle Front's Gaza headquarters on Saturday.The factions in attendance included the Palestinian Liberation Front, Fida, the Arab Liberation Front, the Palestinian-Arab Front and the Popular Struggle Front.
Members of the various factions demanded that Hamas sign the proposal as it represents "a lifeline" for the Palestinian people.
Additionally the Palestinian factions discussed the latest political developments including what affiliates termed the radicalization of the Israeli-right wing government, working to Judaize Jerusalem through settlement expansion.
President Mahmoud Abbas' refusal to return to negotiations until a full settlement standstill is enforced and the terms of reference are clearly identified was applauded.
Efforts to guarantee the success of local elections, to be held across the occupied Palestinian territories, should be intensified by implementing measures to assure of the electoral process' transparency, attendees added.
The ratification of the Egyptian document, poised to bring an end to Fatah-Hamas rivalry has been stonewalled. Following a visit to Russia, senior-most Hamas leader Khaled Mash'al the Islamist movement "wants reconciliation with Fatah as soon as possible," but noted obstacles to unity included several American conditions placed on going back to peace talks.
He further explained that Hamas was ready to sign the initial Egyptian unity document, but noted the current version signed by Fatah officials had been amended without consulting Hamas. He said that without American intervention the re-negotiation of the unity document would be straightforward.