Olmert: Despite Hamas victory, there's still hope for peace talks

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Keep hope alive, keep hope alive." -- Jesse Jackson

Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Tuesday he was not ruling out the possibility that Israel would hold peace talks with the Palestinians, despite Hamas' overwhelming victory in a parliamentary elections.

The chances of reaching a "quick agreement" with the Palestinians are smaller now that Hamas is in charge, Olmert said. "But the hope has not disappeared and I am responsible for both things, the battle against Hamas and maintaining hope, the chance to reach an agreement," Olmert said.

Despite sanctions, IDF coordinating security with PA

Israel continues to coordinate security issues with the Palestinian Authority, as Israel Defense Forces officers and their counterparts in the Palestinian security services are maintaining ties as per usual, Haaretz has learned. This policy will remain in effect for the time being, but will come under review if and when Hamas takes control of the PA's security forces.

Meanwhile, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said Monday that the Fatah movement might join the new PA government under certain conditions.

Haaretz