Palestinian political factions began talks aimed at pushing ahead with reconciliation efforts in Cairo on Tuesday, AFP said. The UN has said that the reconciliation bid “must not be allowed to fail” or another round of conflict with Israel could break out. Representatives of 13 political parties are in the Egyptian capital for three days of meetings. The two largest parties – Fatah and Hamas – signed an Egyptian-sponsored unity deal on October 12. Hamas is supposed to cede power in the Gaza Strip by December 1. Both parties and other groups are expected to discuss several issues in Cairo, including the possibility of forming a unity government and holding elections.