The Palestinian Authority is expected to enter into talks with Hamas and Islamic Jihad on setting up a government of "national unity," according to Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Korei.
The invitation to the Islamic groups is part of an effort by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to co-opt them instead of disarming them as Israel and the United States have demanded. Mr Abbas rejects armed confrontations with the militants, fearing civil war.
Mr Abbas will meet with the leaders of the Islamic groups in Damascus this week, Mr Korei told reporters. Mr Korei said he will meet the local leadership in the Gaza Strip next week.
"We are very serious about our call for a national unity government, and we will begin dialogue with our brothers in the Palestinian factions in this regard," Mr Korei said. "We call upon everyone to join the national unity government and to participate directly in decision making."
Hamas and Islamic Jihad are responsible for dozens of deadly suicide bombings during more than four-and-a-half years of Palestinian-Israeli violence. Incidents of violence have dropped dramatically since declaration of a ceasefire in February by Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
Israel objects to Hamas participation in the Palestinian government before the Islamic militants lay down their arms.
Mr Abbas's overtures to the Islamic groups come as Hamas' popularity has risen in the Palestinian street. In three rounds of local elections in recent months, Hamas made strong showings.
AP