BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) -- The secretary-general of Fatah's revolutionary council said Thursday that Hamas was to blame for suspending reconciliation talks.

Amin Maqboul told Ma'an that some members of Hamas in Gaza are afraid to lose their privileges if a unity government is formed and presidential and parliamentary elections are held.

He added that Fatah is open to all initiatives, whether Arab or Palestinian, to revive reconciliation talks.

"There are some verbal initiatives, but we don't rely on such announcements or meetings if it doesn't aim to end the split totally," Maqboul said.

There have been proposals for Fatah and Hamas to meet and discuss ending the political split, although nothing concrete has been agreed.

Fatah is in support of a proposed reshuffling of the Fayyad government, he added.