Abbas authorizes Egypt to talk with Hamas

GAZA, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah movement authorized Egypt to hold talks with rival Hamas faction on several issues, an aide to Abbas said on Saturday. The issues include reinforcing a ceasefire between armed Palestinian groups in the Hamas-ruled Gaza and Israel, according to Nabil Shaath, Abbas' representative in Egypt.

Shaath added that opening the borders between Egypt and Gaza, brokering prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel and resuming talks between Hamas and Fatah were also among the topics. According to Shaath, "Fatah monitors and supports these talks which were also discussed between Abbas and Egyptian, Jordanian and Saudi leaders."

Hamas seized control of Gaza Strip by force in June and routed security forces of Abbas. Since then, Israel imposed a tight closure on the coastal territory while Hamas ruled the territory, neglecting a firing decision by Abbas.

Israel also increased military attacks against Gaza Strip in response to rocket fire from the Hamas-ruled area amid Egyptian mediation efforts aim at securing a state of calmness.