Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas – Photo: AP

Deputy Hamas Politburo Chief Mousa Abu Marzouk and Fatah spokesman Azzam al-Ahmed both confirmed that a breakthrough was achieved in the latest round of Egyptian-brokered talks meant to facilitate a Palestinian reconciliation, and that a timetable for setting the general elections in the Palestinian Authority has been set.

Marzouk told the Palestinian Ma’an news agency that the two long-time rivals “have reached a historic deal.”

The last general elections in the Palestinian Authority were held in 2006 and gave Hamas a landslide victory. Though officially a unity government was formed, the two Palestinian factions plunged into a power struggle over control of the Gaza-based parliament. In June 2007 Hamas staged a coup, seizing control of the Gaza Strip.

The move effectively split the Palestinian Authority in two, with Hamas retaining power in Gaza and PA President Mahmoud Abbas controlling the West Bank. Egypt began trying to broker a reconciliation deal almost immediately and though several unity agreements were reached in the past few years — the last one in 2011 — none of them has matured into a new governing body.

According to Israel Radio, the future Palestinian unity government is meant to replace the interim government, which until recently was headed by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.

Fayyad, who enjoyed the West’s backing over his moderate views, stepped down in mid-April, against the backdrop of an increasingly bitter dispute with Abbas over the prime minister’s authority and what has been described as “Fatah’s Executive Committee’s dissatisfaction with his policies.” Fayyad is likely to run in the next Palestinian elections on an independent list.

Sources in Abbas’ office criticized Marzouk for his “premature statements” saying he was trying to pressure Fatah through the media.

View original Israel Hayom publication at: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=9309