Hamas furious at Abbas
Palestinian terror groups not thrilled by PA delay of general elections, may reconsider cease-fire
A week after the departure of the Egyptian mission, which tried to smooth over differences between Fatah and Hamas, a new political crisis threatens the Palestinian Authority.
Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) have strongly condemned the decision by PA Ahairman Mahmoud Abbas to delay general elections in the territories.
Both groups argue that it is a violation of the understanding reached by Palestinian factions in Cairo. Central to the deal was an agreement on a cease-fire with Israel and streamlining of Hamas within PLO institutions.
Hamas threatening violence
According to Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a Hamas leader, the PA has no right to unilaterally decide on a delay in elections and choose a date more convenient for the ruling party.
“We won’t agree to be ignored,” said Yousef, saying that the PA “would be responsible for what happens next.”
Even though the PIJ would not have participated in the elections, the Islamist terror group also sees the move as a violation of the Cairo understandings and has called upon factions to reconsider the crease-fire.
On Monday, the monitoring committee of the nationalist and Islamic organizations will debate Abbas' decision to delay the elections.
PA committed to disengagement calm
Sources in the territories said that they do not expect Palestinians to fire Qassam rockets at Israel as they did when the Palestinian courts ordered reelections in some municipalities.
PA security sources told Ynet that rocket attacks would lead to backlash from the security services, which are determined to keep the peace before and during disengagement
