Since this article was published, the talks mediated by Egypt have failed to break the gridlock between Hamas and Fatah . On May 31, Hamas issued a press release in which it reiterated its refusal to participate in the revote. Hamas is arguing that Fatah has engaged in fraudulent practices to try to win the three disputed districts in Gaza where Hamas won a majority in the May 5 municipal elections (Beit Lahiya, Rafah, and al-Bureij) (WAR Report). Among these practices are buying the identity cards of Palestinians who are dead or out of the country and filling the ranks of local election committees with Fatah supporters. Hamas spokesmen, Sami Abu Zuhri, has said that Hamas will not participate unless Fatah takes steps to guarantee the integrity and fairness of the elections.

In spite of the gridlock between the two groups, it is unlikely that the dispute will escalate to deadly factional violence. So far, Hamas has reported that seven Palestinians have been injured in a dispute that took place between followers of the two factions that began as a verbal argument and escalated to stone throwing. More incidents such as this are possible, but an escalation meriting international concern is unlikely. There is a history of disputes between the two groups that has set up a framework and understanding for working things out relatively peacefully, and both groups have affirmed a commitment to encouraging the unity of the Palestinian people during the first window of opportunity in years when they might have a shot at nationhood.