Why Hamas, Fatah finally agreed to convene
The Palestinian Legislative Council held an emergency meeting in December, apparently the first to include Fatah members since 2007, but analysts are not optimistic that it will affect the political stalemate.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — What does it take to bring together legislators who have refused to meet officially for almost 10 years? Take away their immunity from prosecution.
Fatah and Hamas, the two main Palestinian political parties, have been unable to reach an agreement over a division of power since mid-2007. The Islamist Hamas movement controls the Gaza Strip, while Fatah rules the West Bank. Fatah parliament members have refused since the split to take part in any session held by the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC).
