Arab daily: Hamas offered Abbas renewal of unity gov't

Reportedly, group will cede control of PA institutions in Gaza for PLO reforms, renewal of parliament.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
ramadan 298.88 (photo credit: AP [file])
ramadan 298.88
(photo credit: AP [file])
Hamas was prepared to cede to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas control of PA institutions and bases in the Gaza Strip, in return for a renewal of the unity government, reforms in the PLO [Palestinian Liberation Organization] and reinstating the Palestinian parliament, Israel Radio quoted a report from the pan Arab daily Asharq Alawsat as saying Wednesday. The proposal was reportedly given by Hamas seniors to Abbas on Tuesday but the Hamas leadership was reluctant to embrace it. A Palestinian source was quoted as saying that if Hamas leaders would become supportive of the proposal, Abbas would accept it. Rumors of the proposal were aired Tuesday, when Abbas met with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, but then both Fatah and Hamas denied its existence. In related news, MK Ibrahim Sarsour, UAL Chairman and head of the Islamic Movement's southern branch, called on Abbas to release Hamas prisoners held by the PA ahead of the Muslim holiday of Ramadan as a gesture of goodwill. Sarsour said Abbas would do well to "take advantage of Ramadan as a holiday of reconciliation."