Hamas leader Khaled Meshal, based in Damascus, is planning to visit Hamas-controlled Gaza along with Fatah leader Abu Mazen, al-Hayat reports. The London-based Arabic newspaper quotes “Palestinian sources” for the report, adding the PA (Palestinian Authority) leader will be “escorting” Meshal to Gaza, perhaps a sign of the recent mending of fences between the opposing factions.

Ramallah has signaled that Hamas will be included in the next PA coalition government, which prompted an Israeli response that such a move would end contact with Israel and peace negotiations since Israel’s recognition of Hamas is linked to the terrorist organization halting attacks and recognizing Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)