Hamas and Fatah reach power-sharing timetable

Agreement signed in Cairo envisions interim government formed by first week of June and elections in six months

Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal, left, with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. (AP)
Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal, left, with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. (AP)

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Officials from Palestinian rivals Hamas and Fatah say they agreed on a new timetable for a power-sharing deal that envisions elections in about six months.

Reconciliation efforts have stalled repeatedly. It’s unclear if Sunday’s deal, brokered by Egypt and signed in Cairo, would end the impasse.

The Islamic terror group Hamas seized Gaza from the Palestinian Authority in 2007, leaving Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas with only the West Bank. A unity deal was reached earlier this year but hung up over disagreements over whether Abbas should head an interim government that prepares for elections.

Azzam al-Ahmed of Fatah and Fawzi Barhoum of Hamas say the sides agreed Sunday that the interim government should be formed by the first week of June and remain in office for six months.

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