CAIRO, October 11, 2017 (WAFA) – Positive atmosphere prevailed during the first round of talks between Fatah and Hamas held in Cairo on Tuesday, according to a statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting that lasted until the a late hour.

“Positive atmosphere prevailed during the talks and the participants are looking forward to continue the dialogue on Wednesday with the same constructive spirit,” said the statement.

It said the talks were held “out of a sense of national responsibility and in response to the aspirations of the Palestinian people looking for an end to the division, achieve national unity and strengthen the steadfastness of our people.”

The meeting discussed “in depth” a number of issues related to the reconciliation “with the purpose of ending the suffering of the Palestinian people and easing the living conditions in the Gaza Strip,” said the statement.

The participants thanked Egypt for its role in bringing the parties together to the reconciliation table and for sponsoring the talks.

The talks were made possible after Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, dissolved the administrative committee it had established to run Gaza affairs.

The Palestinian cabinet travelled to Gaza last week to assume control over government offices. It also held its first meeting there since 2015.

M.K.