Report: Nabil Shaath Visits Gaza Strip

May 27, 2011

Last March, prior to signing the unity pact, Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh invited Abbas for a visit as an initial gesture ahead of the negotiations between the sides.

“I am carrying a message from Fatah and (Abbas) which will open up the way for the implementation of measures to complete unity and neither Netanyahu nor anyone can stop it,” said Mr. Shaath, who is scheduled to meet with leaders of Hamas and Fatah.

During a recent visit to Washington Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Abbas to reject unity with Hamas in favor of peace with Israel.

Sources close to the senior Fatah official [Shaath] said that his visit will include meetings with Hamas and Palestinian faction members, in which they will discuss the establishment of an interim government and the reconciliation talks.

Abbas has accepted Haniyeh’s invitation, but the visit has not yet been scheduled. Hamas sources said they will not be able to guarantee the Palestinian president’s safety if he comes to Gaza.

On Thursday, Abbas reiterated his intention to hold the visit in the near future.

Posted on May 27, 2011

Source: (Excerpts of an article by Elior Levy, Ynetnews, May 26, 2011)

Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org/Janwikifoto