Palestinian officials say power-sharing talks between rival factions
Hamas and Fatah were deadlocked Saturday because of disagreements over
the shape of a prospective unity government.
Representatives of the two factions have been meeting in Cairo this past week to sort out their disagreements.
Among
the major issues is whether to recognize Israel - a condition the
militant group Hamas has refused to accept. However, much of the
international community says it will not work with a Palestinian unity
government unless it recognizes Israel.
International donors
have pledged more than $5 billion to help aid the Palestinian economy
and to rebuild the Gaza Strip after Israel's 3-week offensive there,
which ended earlier this year. But they have refused to let the money
go through Hamas, which rules Gaza.
Hamas seized power in Gaza in 2007, while Fatah has set up a moderate government based out of the West Bank.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
