In the first tangible indication that reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas might actually be at hand, the Palestinian Authority announced on Tuesday evening that it is willing to take over the administrative responsibilities of the Gaza Strip. The declaration follows Hamas’s decision made under the aegis of Egyptian mediators to disband the seven-man administrative committee that effectively carried out the responsibilities of governing the enclave – one of three core demands made by Fatah. Returning control of Gaza to Fatah – from which it took control in a violent coup in 2007 – paves the way for unity elections and a possible end to the Palestinian bifurcation – Fatah controlled West Bank and Hamas governed Gaza – which many see as the primary obstacle to statehood. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who also heads Fatah, has been pressuring Gazans to overthrow Hamas rule by making their lives more difficult through reduced hours of electricity, inability to receive medical treatment in Israel and holding back the salaries of government workers. Although a number of reconciliation agreements were signed since 2011, none have been implemented.