Hamas-Fatah close to deal on Israel

Agreement between the ruling Hamas and rival Fatah over a document implicitly recognising Israel is close, negotiators said on Sunday, evidence that international political and financial pressure on the new Palestinian government could be bearing fruit.

The document would force the militant Islamic Hamas to change or gloss over its principles8212;violently rejecting a Jewish state in the Middle East8212;and crucial issues remained open said negotiators.

All the officials spoke on condition of anonymity. One official, who is serving as a mediator, said Hamas is desperate to reach an agreement with Fatah as a way of lifting the international aid boycott that has bankrupted the Hamas-led government.

Hamas leader in an Israeli prison said agreement could be reached in the coming days, because Hamas is eager to have the sanctions lifted.