Fatah considers joining Hamas

Fatah, the Palestinian organization of the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, has indicated its willingness to join the upcoming Hamas-led government. Other groups have indicated willingness to do the same.

Fatah Secretary General Azzam Al-Ahmed said during a joint press conference with Hamas leader, Mahmoud al-Zahar in Gaza Wednesday, that there was no decision in Fatah to boycott the next government.

"We have not taken any decision to join or boycott the government. We can not rule out the possibility of joining the government," said Al-Ahmed.

He added that Fatah wanted to see Hamas's political program before making a final decision whether to join the government or remain in the opposition.

Another Fatah leader, former PA minister Nabil Sha'ath, was quoted as saying that Fatah might join the PA government if certain conditions were met.

Hamas has been holding consultations with representatives of various Palestinian factions for the purpose of forming a broad-based coalition or government of national unity.