Palestinians have been bitterly divided since Hamas seized Gaza in 2007, leaving Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement only in control of the West Bank.

Hamas' Khaled Mashaal said Monday in Damascus that the two groups have taken "serious and real steps" toward reconciliation and will meet in early October in Cairo. The rival sides had said Saturday they agreed on steps to end divisions.

Reconciliation between the factions is important because Abbas needs a unanimous stance in the newly relaunched negotiations with Israel. Hamas opposes the talks and has threatened to spoil them with violence.