Hamas in talks as Palestinian unity momentum builds

DOHA (AFP) -- Leaders of Hamas met in Qatar on Friday amid renewed impetus for a unity government after the resignation of prime minister Salam Fayyad, a Palestinian official said.

Newly re-elected Hamas leader Khalid Mashaal chaired the meeting in his base in exile in Qatar, which was also attended by Hamas leaders from Gaza including its prime minister Ismail Haniyeh.

Momentum has built for reconcilation between Hamas and the Fatah movement of president Mahmoud Abbas since the resignation of Fayyad, a US-trained economist whose appointment as premier was never recognized by the Islamists.

"The meeting began on Thursday and will continue until Saturday," the official said, requesting anonymity.

Hamas leaders will discuss "Palestinian reconciliation, developments in the Palestinian arena following Fayyad's resignation, as well as ways of pressing Israel to release Palestinian prisoners," the official said. more