Israeli, Palestinian security officials hold talks

Wednesday July 04, 2007 10:15 by R. P. - IMEMC and agencies

Security officials from Israel and the Palestinian Authority interim government of Prime Minister Salam Fayyad have resumed talks after a long break, sources reported Tuesday.

The meetings, held at the level of area commander, were played down by both parties. Palestinian officials have reportedly asked for decreased restrictions on movement in the West Bank and an end of the targeting of fighters loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas. Israel has offered no assurances on either subject.

The talks follow parallel crackdowns in Jerusalem and the West Bank on Hamas, with dozens arrested or being taken into custody in the hopes of strengthening the hand of Fatah in the West Bank.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri condemned Abbas as an Israeli collaborator, stating that the talks "rendered the [Palestinian] security agencies in the hands of Israeli intelligence."

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