Egypt is to host a delegation of Hamas political leaders early next week in an effort to reopen negotiations between Hamas and Fatah.

Egypt and Saudi Arabia are pushing both parties to reopen negotiations.

Media sources indicated that Hamas leaders headed by Khaled Meshaal met with Saudi leaders in Riyadh on Sunday.

Similar meetings are expected to take place between Hamas and several Egyptian leaders later.

The Egyptians have suggested several compromise deals, including the handing-over by Hamas of its security headquarters.

Egypt hopes that Palestinian Authority Chief Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah will be more flexible in his attitude to negotiations despite a list of conditions he had issued, which he said must be met before dialogue resumes.

JS/BGH