By Xinhua,
Ramallah : An official from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah movement on Thursday criticized the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) for not halting peace negotiations with Israel.
“I don’t know why they still stick to the negotiations,” said Qadoura Fares, referring to the PNA. “I don’t see any advantage to keep on the negotiations with the Israelis as long as the Zionist crimes of killing, destruction and settlements go on.”
Fares’ remarks were made a day after Israel killed 20 Palestinians in Gaza Strip in a series of operations. Three Israeli soldiers were also killed when Hamas fighters ambushed them during an incursion into eastern Gaza city.
Israel and the PNA resumed the peace talks in December following a U.S.-hosted peace conference held in Annapolis. The negotiations did not achieve any notable progress.
Meanwhile, Fares urged his movement and rival Hamas Islamists to start national dialogue leading to reconciliation. The two factions “must respond to the Palestinian, Arab and Muslim calls for dialogue”
In June, Hamas fought President Abbas’ forces in Gaza Strip and took over the territory, furthering political isolation between Gaza and the Fatah-dominated West Bank.