Hamas and Islamic Jihad leaders meet in Gaza

Senior leaders of Hamas met with their counterparts from Islamic Jihad in Gaza on Sunday. Several important issues linked to the current situation in the besieged territory were on the agenda, a statement released after the meeting revealed.

The delegations of the two Palestinian factions met in the house of the Deputy Leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, in Al-Shati Refugee Camp to the west of Gaza City. The issues discussed included the relationship with the Israeli occupation authorities; the Palestine Liberation Organisation; Jerusalem; the challenges facing the Palestinian cause; and the fast-changing regional scenario.

According to the public statement, the meeting lasted for several hours, during which it was agreed to move forward nationally, regionally and internationally. This was the broadest and most senior level meeting between Hamas and Islamic Jihad for some time. It marked the 11th anniversary of the assassination of Hamas founder Shaikh Ahmed Yassin by Israel.