JENIN, West Bank (AP) — The Palestinian prime minister has offered to form a unity government with the rival Hamas militant group in hopes of paving the way for national elections later this year.
Salam Fayyad says lots of details still need to be worked out. But he says Hamas could remain in power in the Gaza Strip under his proposal as long as it preserve a cease-fire with Israel. Fayyad would continue to govern from the West Bank.
The Palestinians have been split since Hamas violently overran Gaza in 2007.
Influenced by pro-democracy protests throughout the Middle East, Fayyad’s boss, President Mahmoud Abbas, has scheduled elections for September. Abbas has signaled he may call off the election if Hamas boycotts the vote.
Fayyad says his plan is meant to ensure the election takes place.
