Palestinian delegations head to Egypt for unity talks

GAZA, Palestinian Territory – Negotiators from the rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas have travelled to Egypt to launch negotiations on ending a 10-year rift.

The talks are the most ambitious attempt at reconciliation since Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip from the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority in 2007.

Two senior Hamas officials, including Gaza leader Yehiyeh Sinwar, crossed into Egypt on Monday for the talks. Fatah officials were also travelling to Egypt from their base in the West Bank.

The negotiations, sponsored by Egypt, are to start Tuesday.

A Fatah delegation last week travelled to Gaza to assume governing responsibilities over the territory. But the sides still need to resolve differences over sensitive issues, including the fate of thousands of Hamas government employees and control over Hamas’ vast weapons arsenal.