Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank left their disagreements aside on Thursday and celebrated the beginning of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, or Ramadan.

This month of fasting and the holiest period for Muslims around the world starts when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted, but many feared this year Ramadan would begin at a different moment in Gaza and the West Bank.

Despite dissensions, both Hamas and Fatah agreed to follow the calendar of relevant Muslim authorities in 12 Arab nations, beginning Ramadan on Thursday.

The radical Islamic movement controls Gaza after bloody clashes with Fatah security forces took place in June, President Mahmoud Abbas deciding to dissolve the unity government and form a new administration headquartered in Ramallah.

Furthermore, the Hamas administration in Gaza said it will release 84 detainees as a goodwill gesture. Many of those prisoners are supporters or members of the Fatah organization, but Hamas seems willing to cease political feuding at least during the holly month.

Another important step towards reconciliation is about to be made, as Hamas leader Ismail Haniya announced he is prepared to hold talks with Abbas. The discussions will be aimed at finding a solution to the crisis gripping the Palestinian Territories since the two administrations emerged earlier this summer.

Haniya was dismissed by the Palestinian leader following the June bloody clashes and since then the rift between Fatah and Hamas became wider with each day that passed. Haiya become one of the fiercest critics of Abbas’ administration, which benefits from the support of Western nations and neighbouring Israel.

He said it is time for the two organizations to end their dispute through direct talks which would “restore the Palestinian people's unity and end the divisions among them.”

But Abbas wasn’t so thrilled by Haniya’s statement, saying Hamas must retract “the coup against the Palestinian legitimacy” and hand over the power in Gaza. Hamas’ call was made through mediators from influential Arab states, which tried to bring the two sides at the same table in past.

For one month Muslims around the globe get up before dawn to eat, drink and perform their prayer. Over the day they are not supposed to consume food, drink or smoke, until sunset.

During Ramadan the faithful attend prayers in the mosque each night and are expected to refrain from manifesting their anger, envy or lust. They are also encouraged to read the Qur’an.