JERUSALEM, April 12 (UPI) -- Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu had a "warm and friendly" conversation Sunday, officials said.
Abbas called Netanyahu to deliver holiday wishes in a conversation described by unnamed sources in the prime minister's office as "warm and friendly," Ynetnews.com reported.
The call raised hopes the Palestinian Authority may be willing to negotiate with Netanyahu's new government despite conflicting statements that have been issued since he took power, officials told the Web site.
Netanyahu reportedly spoke about the two leaders' past cooperation, adding he would like to see them cooperate again in the future on efforts to advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Abbas replied by saying both peoples must strive for peace, Ynetnews said.
Unnamed officials told the Web site the conversation may be the first sign of a thaw in Israeli-Palestinian relations after Israel's January "Operation Cast Lead" military incursion into the Gaza Strip.
