Hamas delegation heads to Moscow for unity talks

GAZA CITY, Palestine

A delegation from the Palestinian Hamas group headed to the Russian capital Moscow Friday to continue intra-Palestinian dialogue aimed to unite Palestinian groups.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency Friday, the group's spokesman, Abdel Latif al-Qanoa, said, "the delegation, headed by the [Hamas] political bureau member Mousa Abu Marzook will meet officials from the Russian Foreign Ministry to discuss the Palestinian issue."

Al-Qanoa added the visit will review the recent intra-Palestinian talks in order to gather international support to ensure the reconciliation process succeeds.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Majdalani, member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation's Executive Committee, welcomed Friday the Russian invitation to enhance the reconciliation efforts. He, however, said before heading to Moscow, the Palestinian groups should agree on ending the internal divisions.

In August, Russia announced it will invite Palestinian groups to meet in Moscow to find reconciliation between the Hamas and Fatah groups.

In February 2019, Moscow sponsored intra-Palestinian talks for 12 Palestinian groups where they agreed to confront the US' so-called Middle East peace plan, known as the Deal of the Century.

Fatah and Hamas also held talks in Turkey in September during which they agreed to hold legislative and presidential elections.

Hamas and Fatah have remained at odds since the former seized the Gaza Strip from the latter in mid-2007 after several days of street fighting.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara