The first dialogue session between the rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah got underway in Cairo on Tuesday.

Head of the Fatah delegation at the Palestinian reconciliation talks Azzam al-Ahmed said that the key issue that was agreed upon for the dialogue agenda was enabling the government to operate in the Gaza Strip, reported the Palestinian news agency (WAFA).

He said that the case of the border crossings has been “resolved” and practical steps should be immediately taken on the ground, whether on the Israeli or Egyptian side.

Ahmed revealed that Hamas effectively controls the crossings through its security forces. This issue should be resolved within a week or two.

The talks between Hamas and Fatah will go over the 2011 reconciliation agreement that was signed in Cairo. They will address the measures needed to hold a meeting for the factions that signed the deal.

Tangible steps will be taken to implement the agreement when these factions convene, explained Ahmed.

The Cairo talks will also address general elections, the judiciary, security and Palestinian Liberation Organization.

The Hamas and Fatah delegations taking part in the Egyptian-sponsored reconciliation talks had arrived in Cairo on Monday night.