By Xinhua
Moscow : Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on Thursday for dialogue between Fatah and Hamas in a bid to settle the current crisis on the Palestinian territories, Russian news agencies reported.
"Despite visible calm, the situation on Palestinian territories remains extremely difficult. The split between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank adds to the hardships of occupation. It is unknown when and how it is overcome," he was quoted as saying.
"The agreement between Fatah and Hamas may settle the inter-Palestinian crisis. Hamas remains an influential political force, which has the majority of seats in the parliament. We do not see any alternative to a dialogue," he said.
The Gaza takeover by Hamas in mid June was the most violent event in a series of fighting that started since Hamas won a landslide victory in 2006 legislative elections.
Hamas unseated its rival Fatah movement in 2006 legislative elections held in Gaza, West Bank and east Jerusalem. It dominated the parliament and led two governments, and the second was the unity one based on the power-sharing Mecca deal between Fatah and Hamas.