Why not make “unity” official? From the Jerusalem Post:
Talks with Hamas and Islamic Jihad on setting up a “national unity” government will begin this week, Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei said Sunday.
The invitation to the Islamic groups is part of an effort by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to co-opt them instead of disarming them as Israel and the US have demanded. Abbas rejects armed confrontations with the insurgents, fearing civil war.
Abbas will meet with the leaders of the Islamic groups in Damascus this week, Qurei told reporters. Qurei said he will meet the local leadership in the Gaza Strip next week.
Israel objects to Hamas participation in the Palestinian government before the Islamic insurgents lay down their arms.
Abbas’ overtures to the Islamic groups come as Hamas’ popularity has risen in the Palestinian street. In three rounds of local elections in recent months, Hamas made strong showings.…