Official: Egypt to invite Palestinian factions' leaders for dialogue

GAZA, July 29 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian official revealed on Tuesday that Egypt is intending to invite leaders of Palestinian factions and political groups, including Fatah and Hamas movements for inter-Palestinian dialogue soon.

The official who spoke in condition of anonymity told Xinhua on the phone that Egypt is to invite leaders of Palestinian factions to prepare for an inter-Palestinian dialogue under the sponsorship of the Arab League.

He said that President Mahmoud Abbas agreed in his latest meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak that Egypt would sponsor the efforts to prepare for a dialogue that leads to ending the status of inter-conflict.

Conflict between rival Fatah and Hamas movements has recently mounted following a bombing attack on a Hamas militants' car last Friday at Gaza beachside, which killed five Hamas militants and a girl.

Hamas cracked down on Fatah movement in Gaza and detained dozens of Fatah supporters and members. In response Abbas security forces cracked down on Hamas movement in the West Bank and also detained dozens.

"The Egyptian leadership would send invitations within the coming days to all factions, including Fatah and Hamas. Arab League Secretary General Amro Musa would be following up the preparations for dialogue," said the official.