Hamas’ offer to negotiate towards unity government with Fatah ‘cannot be trusted’

Hamas’ words of reconciliation with its rival Palestinian faction Fatah won’t translate into action, claims a Palestine Liberation Organization member.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has welcomed Hamas’ offer this week to resume unification talks with Mr Abba’s Fatah faction, in a move that would end a decade-long standoff.

Mr Abbas told the UN General Assembly in New York City on Wednesday, “We are thankful for these efforts aimed at nullifying the measures undertaken by Hamas following the division [of it and Fatah].”

His statement comes after Hamas, the Palestinian Sunni Islamist group listed as a terror organisation by Israel, the US, EU, UK and Australia among other powers, said Sunday it would agree to the demands of the Western-backed Palestinian leader’s Fatah, disband its so-called shadow government and prepare for elections towards a unity government.

Read the article by Andrea Booth and watch the SBS TV news report.