Hamas’ and Fatah’s reconciliation appeared to be in jeopardy after Hamas rejected Fatah’s nominee for prime minister.

Hamas rejected Salam Fayyad, the Palestinian Authority’s current prime minister, a day after he was nominated by Fatah to lead the transitional Palestinian government.

Keeping Fayyad, who is respected by the West, as prime minister could put donor nations’ minds at ease.

P.A. President Mahmoud Abbas, who leads the Fatah party, and Hamas, which runs the Gaza Strip, signed a reconciliation agreement in May brokered by Egypt. Both sides are meeting next week to try to resolve the situation. — jta