End of an era? Palestinian president convenes special press conference, accuses Israel of 'ruining peace efforts'; Abbas announces decision not to run for reelection, says declaration is not a manipulation attempt or tactical move
Israel and Hamas are at fault for the current impasse in peace talks, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas charged Thursday, as he announced his decision not to run for reelection.
"I informed the central Fatah committee that I am not interested in presenting my candidacy for the upcoming presidency, and this decision is not meant for tactical purposes or manipulation," he said.
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In a special news conference convened in Ramallah, Abbas added: "We obligated to, along with the Israelis and with the international community's support, to strive for a two-state solution and we made great sacrifices, yet the Israeli government is adopting a policy that ruins all peace efforts."
Abbas claimed that he delivered on his pledges while slamming Hamas' coup in Gaza, saying that "despite the pain it brought, we responded to it by a call for Palestinian unity."
The Palestinian president also charged Hamas for thwarting all reconciliation attempts.
"Hamas first relied on Goldstone, and then turned to other excuses, while not signing the latest reconciliation document and keeping our people under siege," he said. "Isn't it time for Hamas' leadership to stop cooperating with external agendas and pay attention to the Palestinian people's interest?"
"With its policy, Hamas prompts the killing of dozens of Palestinians and boosts the 'no partner' argument on the other side," the Palestinian leader said.
Meanwhile, the Fatah movement was expected to hold a march in Ramallah that will urge Abbas to reverse his retirement decision and run for reelection after all. Elections for the Palestinian presidency are expected to be held early next year.
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