Palestinian reconciliation talks in Cairo managed a minor breakthrough, even though the entire discussions seem futile in achieving a final agreement. Fatah and Hamas negotiators agreed to permit the PLO to serve as a “national reference,” essentially a de-facto decision making body until proper elections for a legislative council occur. Hamas initially sought a more inclusive group to serve in this capacity, seeking an organization representative of Islamic organizations. The PLO status only resolves one of multiple disagreements between the two groups. For an in-depth look at Fatah-Hamas faction disputes, watch this news report.
