Talks to form a Palestinian unity government have reached an impasse yet again.
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud ‘Abbas told Jordanian officials that talks regarding the creation of a unity government had reached a “dead end,” an official told Reuters.
The source said that one option being discussed was dismissing the Hamas government and appointing a new prime minister, a move that could put ‘Abbas on a collision course with Hamas and rock the political system.
‘Abbas, of Fatah, is still debating the allocation of political power with Hamas and creating job opportunities, Ma’an News Agency reported.
Talks might only resume at the beginning of 2007.
Hamas cane into government in March 2006 following the organization’s victory in the January legislative elections.
But the new leadership has led to a financial and political crisis in the P.A. Most international aid to the P.A. was suspended due to Hamas’ unbending opposition to peace agreements with Israel.
Hamas has so far refused to comply with international demands to recognize Israel, renounce terrorism and acknowledge previously signed agreements with Israel.