Hamas, Fatah agree to election delay

Palestinian groups meeting in Gaza on Monday agreed to delay general elections in the Palestinian Authority until after Israel carries out the disengagement plan. Meeting in Gaza, the Supreme Joint Committee of Palestinian Organizations agreed to recommend to their groups to push off the general election until after the disengagement plan. In addition, representatives decided to establish a joint observation committee to oversee the elections, and to ensure the elections are conducted fairly. The elections were scheduled to be held July 17. Now, they are expected to take place towards the end of the year. The agreement is part of a series of understandings between Hamas and Fatah with regard to local elections in several districts in Gaza. Fatah has called for recall elections in several Gaza districts, a move Hamas dismisses as an attempt to undo the group's solid victory. Elections have caused significant friction between the parties, and was the reason behind the massive mortar attack on Gush Katif and Sderot early in May. Palestinian Authority officials denied reports that an Egyptian security detail mediated the dispute, but other Palestinian sources told Ynet Egypt pushed the sides to reach an agreement. Progress with Israel vis-&agrave-vis wanted criminals Also Monday, Palestinian sources report progress in talks with Israel regarding criminals wanted by Israel. Palestinians say Israel promised not to pursue non-threatening suspects, even in areas currently under Israeli jurisdiction. At the head of the Palestinian delegation was the Authority's official responsible for wanted criminals, Abd el-Fatah Hamail. The Palestinians said they had come to an agreement with Israel. According to the agreement, Israel agrees not to act against any suspect if they stop their armed activities, agree to PA jurisdiction, and agree to honor the agreements Authority members have signed. The Palestinians stressed that many suspects have been incorporated into official Authority security forces, allowing the Authority greater ability to monitor them. It should be noted that Israel is hanging the passage of more West Bank cities to the Palestinians on the disarming of terror groups. Israel demands the Palestinian Authority begins to do this in the two cities already under PA jurisdiction, Jericho and Tul Karm.

Hamas, Fatah agree to election delay

Joint Palestinian committee meets in Gaza, agrees to delay elections until after disengagement; now expected at end of year