Hamas Calls for Unity Talks as Fatah Re-elects Abbas Amid Gaza War

Hamas has called for direct negotiations with Fatah to establish a unified Palestinian national strategy, coinciding with the start of Fatah's eighth general conference. The appeal comes as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was re-elected as the leader of Fatah during the opening day of the three-day event held primarily in Ramallah, with parallel sessions in Gaza, Cairo, and Beirut. Hossam Badran, a senior Hamas official, described the conference as an opportunity to shift internal relations and enhance readiness against Israeli plans, which he accused of seeking to liquidate the Palestinian cause. He urged Fatah to rise above past disagreements to focus on collective responsibility amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. The two factions have been divided since 2007, but recent intensification of conflict and discussions on post-war governance have renewed unity efforts. Israel currently controls significant portions of Gaza and is pursuing legislative moves in the West Bank, adding urgency to the call for political coordination between the rival groups.