GAZA CITY, Gaza, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Less than a week after promising U.S. officials he would not reconcile with Hamas, Fatah leader and PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has invited the group home.

Abbas reportedly called on Hamas to “return to national unity” after Wednesday’s meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso, Israelnn.com reported.

"The split that happened as a result of Hamas' coup is temporary and will be removed," said Abbas.

Hamas reportedly welcomed Abbas’ statements and invited him to take part in negotiations in Gaza.

Fatah Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said Fatah’s decision to pay for one year’s salary to thousands of Hamas men in Gaza was a mistake, and Democratic Congressmen visiting Israel accepted the claim the transfer was the result of a “clerical error.”