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The Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority reportedly allowed Hamas to hold a rally in the West Bank.

Israel’s Army Radio reported Dec. 10 that the apparent conciliatory gesture was the first of its kind since Hamas’ 2007 coup d’etat in Gaza that ended the Palestinian Authority’s control of that region.

The Palestinian news agency Ma’an reported that the festival, which was scheduled for Dec. 13, was to celebrate Hamas’ 25th anniversary and include speeches from Hamas leaders. Hamas had earlier approved plans for Fatah to celebrate its own anniversary in Gaza.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said he planned to head to Cairo soon to resume reconciliation talks with Hamas.

The most recent sign of reconciliation between the factions follows Fatah’s participation in the Gaza version of Hamas’ 25th anniversary celebration on Dec. 8.

Meanwhile, Israel Defense Forces officers warned that Hamas was attempting to reactivate its sleeper cells in the West Bank, according to a report in the Jerusalem Post. — jta