Hamas, Fatah Tensions Heat Up Ahead Of Unity Talks

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, left;
Hamas leader, Khaled Meshaal, right
Photo from San Francisco Sentinel

From Reuters:

GAZA, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Hamas accused the rival Fatah movement on Monday of arresting 80 members of the Islamist group in a bid to sabotage Egyptian-brokered Palestinian reconciliation talks due to begin this week.

The issue underscores the challenges Cairo faces in trying to end Hamas-Fatah divisions and establish a unity government with a pro-peace policy that could lead to the lifting of an Israeli-led blockade on the Gaza Strip.

Ehab al-Ghsain, spokesman of the Hamas-run Interior Ministry in the Gaza Strip, said 80 Hamas members were detained in the West Bank, where Fatah holds sway, over the past few days.

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My Comment: The differences between these two sides is irreconcilable. Conflict between the two cannot be avoided. Everyone knows that with the exception of the diplomats ... and for those who hope for the best.