The Palestinian president has said that a "new page" has been opened in communication between Fatah and its rival Hamas, following a meeting in Cairo earlier today.

President Mahmoud Abbas said that the two hour talk was positive and that agreements had been reached over their differences. He said that both Hamas and Fatah had agreed to hold presidential parliamentary elections in May

A unity deal between the two factions, announced in May, has largely stalled since but Mr Abbas said that at the meeting with Hamas chief Khaled Mashaal, there "were no differences" on the issues.

He said: "What is important to us is that we deal with each other as partners and shoulder the same responsibility toward our people and our cause."

Hamas legislator Salah Bardawee said earlier that Hamas would continue to view Israel as the "enemy".

"Hamas won't recognise Israel and won't give up its principles," he said.