Hamas Movement is seeking to hold a national Palestinian conference in Gaza with the participation of Palestinian factions and independent figures to discuss recent developments and the ongoing blockade on the Strip. Well-informed Palestinian sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the movement has sent initial invitations to hold this conference after Eid al-Fitr. Hamas, according to the same sources, is trying to find a leadership body that would represent an alternative to the National Council, if the Palestinian leadership does not respond to calls for a new national assembly, in which Hamas, Islamic Jihad and all other factions participate. The sources confirmed that Hamas officials met with officials of the Palestinian factions in Gaza and Beirut to persuade them to form a national leadership conference, which would decide on national affairs, including the future of the PA and the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip. The meetings were held with representatives from Fatah al-Intifada, the Popular Front, the Democratic Front, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (General Command) and the Islamic Jihad. Hamas’ approach is based on its absolute rejection of the outcome of the 23rd session of the National Council held in Ramallah at the end of April. The meeting saw the election of a new executive committee for the PLO and the agreement over a broad outline of the future Palestinian strategy. However, Hamas described the Council as a “state of exclusivity and dictatorship,” stressing that the outcome of its meeting did not reflect the will of the Palestinian people. It also accused the PA of participating in the siege against Gaza, an issue that will be on the agenda of the upcoming conference in parallel with the Palestinian Central Bank.