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Palestinian Elections
AlJazeera 1/31/2006
Roundup of numerous AlJazeera stories on the recent PLC elections. --Palestinians voted on Wednesday in the first elections in a decade to their parliament, known as the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). We bring you the news, background, interviews and features on the elections.
In its final breakdown of the voting on national lists, the results showed that a total of 440,409 people voted for Hamas and 410,554 for Fatah.
Palestine Chronicle 1/30/2006
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AFP) - The Palestinian central elections commission has made a slight revision to the result of last week''s general election, reducing by two the number of seats won by the Islamists of Hamas. The elections commission said in a statement that the final official result now showed Hamas had won 74 rather than 76 seats in the election while the former ruling Fatah faction''s tally was revised upwards from 43 to 45. A seat in the southern Gaza town of Khan Yunis, which had initially been given to Hamas, had in fact been won by Fatah, the official told AFP Sunday on condition of anonymity. Fatah had also won one more seat on the national list of candidates, who account for half of the 132 members in the Ramallah-based legislative council.
Hamas willing to merge armed factions, political chief says
Ha''aretz 1/29/2006
DAMASCUS - Hamas is ready to merge armed factions, including its military wing, to form an army to defend the Palestinian people, the group''s political leader said yesterday. Khaled Meshal also told a news conference in Damascus that Hamas will honor commitments made by the Palestinian Authority to Israel, provided they serve Palestinian interests, despite the group''s refusal to recognize Israel. "We are willing to form an army like every country... an army to defend our people against aggression," Meshal said after the group''s sweeping victory in Palestinian elections.
Hamas wins huge majority
AlJazeera 1/26/2006
The Islamic group Hamas has won a huge majority in parliamentary elections as Palestinian voters rejected the long-time rule of the Fatah Party. Of the 132 seats in Parliament, Hamas won 76 and Fatah 43, the election commission announced on Thursday. Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia and his Cabinet resigned, even before the official results were announced, and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas was to ask Hamas to form the next government.
Key Palestinian figures speak out
By Laila El-Haddad, AlJazeera 1/27/2006
Below are statements by prominent Palestinian political figures in response to the results of the second Palestinian legislative council election results, in which the Islamic resistance movement Hamas has ousted long-standing Fatah from power. Hanan Ashrawi, lawmaker, Third Path list: Hamas'' victory reflects the consequences of mismanagement of the [Palestinian] Authority, corruption, Fatah''s hogging of power, and indifference towards people''s needs and rights.... Qais Abd al-Karim, Badil List: These elections were democratic and enlightened, more than any other elections that have taken in the Middle East. They took place despite all of the obstacles we faced, including the occupation...
Hamas shock victory poses new Middle East challenge
The Guardian 1/27/2006
Hamas won a crushing victory in the Palestinian parliamentary elections as results yesterday showed it had swept away Fatah''s 40-year monopoly of power, presenting a challenge to western policy towards "terrorist organisations". Israel''s acting prime minister, Ehud Olmert, joined the US, Britain and other countries in calling on the Islamist group, which has killed hundreds of people in suicide bombings, to renounce violence and its goal of destroying Israel if it wants international recognition.... Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader in the new parliament, called on foreign governments to respect the election result. "''Don''t be afraid'' is our message to the outside world. Hamas is an aware, mature and politically-open movement," he said.
CEC to Release Palestinian Election Results at 7 P.M. Thursday
Palestine Media Center 1/26/2006
Abbas: We Are Ready to Negotiate, Israel Has No Right to Choose Their Partner -- The Palestinian Central Election Commission (CEC) said that the results of the legislative election on Wednesday, January 25, initially scheduled to be announced at 9 a. m. , will now be released at 7 p. m. on Thursday, without giving a reason for the delay. Palestinian Cabinet members submitted their resignations on Thursday following a reported Hamas victory in the legislative elections to allow Hamas to assemble the next Palestinian government, Prime Minister Ahmad Qureia''s office said, according to AP.
Rajoub: Fatah will not join Hamas-led government
Ha''aretz 1/26/2006
Following its sweeping victory in the Palestinian parliamentary elections, the radical Islamic Hamas organization said Thursday it would seek to hold talks on forming a coalition, but Fatah officials rejected the possibility of joining a Hamas-led government. Final results released on Thursday evening by the Palestinian Central Election Commission showed Hamas won 76 seats in 132-seat parliament, with the Fatah garnering only 43 seats. The thirteen remaining seats went to several smaller parties and independents. "We are convinced we will be partners with the other factions," said a Hamas official. "
Hamas Claims Victory, Fatah Concedes
Palestine Chronicle 1/26/2006
The Palestinian electoral commission had no immediate comment but was expected to issue official results later on Thursday for the 132-member parliament. -- GAZA CITY - Hamas has won an absolute majority of seats in the Palestinian legislative elections, said a Hamas official on Thursday, January 26, according to initial results, with the mainstream Fatah acknowledging Hamas victory. "Hamas has won more than 70 seats in Gaza and the West Bank, which gives it more than 50 percent of the vote", Ismail Haniyeh, who headed Hamas''s list in the Palestinian elections, told Reuters.
“Globes” survey: Support for Olmert falls
Globes 1/26/2006
It is still not yet clear how the Palestinian election earthquake will affect Israel’s political system. Hamas’s election victory occurred after a period of relative calm is the balance of power between Israel’s parties ahead of the March 28 elections. A “Globes”-Smith survey by Rafi Smith conducted before the news of the Hamas victory found that, compared with last week, only minor changes had taken place in support for the various parties. Some figures were less favorable for Kadima, especially among new immigrants.... The biggest change since last week is in the standing of Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. 40% of respondents said he was unsuited to be prime minister, compared with 35% last week. A breakdown of the results found that most of the decline in support for Olmert was among new immigrants.
Polls predict slim victory for Fatah
Ha''aretz 1/26/2006
Fatah appears to have won 58 seats followed closely by Hamas with 53 seats in Wednesday''s Palestinian parliament elections, according to exit polls released Wednesday night. The polls indicate that neither party is likely to win a majority in the 132-member parliament, meaning that it is possible Hamas could form the next government. However, senior pollster Khalil Shikaki of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research said it is unlikely the party would get enough support from smaller parties and independent lists to forge a majority.
Exit poll: "Fateh wins 63 seats, Hamas 58"
International Middle East Media Center 1/25/2006
An exit poll conducted by Bir Zeit University on Wednesday showed Fateh party holding a slight lead over the Hamas movement, with 63 seats out of 132-seat Palestinian parliament, Hamas appeared to be achieving 58 seats. The official results of the Palestinian municipal elections are not expected to be released before Thursday; the official results will most likely be announced on Friday. Exit polls conducted on Wednesday showed the ruling Fateh party achieving 11 percentage points over the Hamas movement.
Counting starts in Palestinian poll
AlJazeera 1/26/2006
With counting under way and exit polls in the Palestinian elections indicating Hamas has come a close second to Fatah, the resistance movement is looking at how it could join parliament. Shortly after voting ended on Wednesday, a Fatah official estimated that Fatah had won 46% of the vote, beating an estimated vote of more than 30% for Hamas. Ismail Haniyah, a senior Hamas leader, said determining the group''s future role would now be a priority.
Interview: Christian candidate on Hamas ticket
AlJazeera 1/25/2006
Hosam al-Taweel, 40, is a Christian candidate running on the electoral ticket of Islamic resistance group Hamas in Gaza, in the upcoming Palestinian parliamentary elections. He is competing for one of six seats specially designated for the Christian community in the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). He worked as a volunteer at the YMCA in Gaza for more than 30 years, serving on its board three times. He is also a regular columnist in the Palestinian daily newspaper, Al-Quds. Al-Taweel says his family is deeply involved in the cause of the Palestinian people.
120 members of the Islamic Jihad in Bethlehem resigned
International Middle East Media Center 1/25/2006
120 members of the Islamic Jihad movement in Bethlehem announced on Wednesday their resignation from the movement in protest to the movement''s position which rejects the participation in the Palestinian Legislative Elections. The resigned members decided to support Mohammad Shihata, one of the movement''s main leaders who decided to participate in the elections as an independent candidate. Some of the reigned members are wanted by the Israeli security, this includes candidate Mohammad Shihata who has been wanted by Israel since twelve years. Israel claims that Shihata planned several attacks which were carried against Israeli targets.
Video - Qureia: We''ll back Hamas if it wins
YNetNews 1/25/2006
Palestinian elections under way: Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia says ruling Fatah will ''stand behind'' Hamas if it wins; Hamas leader Haniya: Group will not disarm even after elections -- PA elections under way:Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia says ruling Fatah will ''stand behind'' Hamas if it wins; Hamas leader Haniya: Group will not disarm even after elections -- PA elections under way: Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia says the ruling Fatah party is ready to "stand behind" Hamas if the Islamic movement wins Wednesday''s parliamentary vote. "I hope that the minority will accept the decisions of the majority," Qureia said after voting in the Jerusalem suburb of Abu Dis.
Video - Abbas: Peace talks – even with Hamas
YNetNews 1/25/2006
PA elections under way: Abbas says he''s ready to resume talks with Israel even with Hamas in government; earlier, PM Qureia says Fatah will ''stand behind'' Islamic group if it wins. Hamas leader Haniya: We won''t disarm even after elections. All eyes on heated Gaza battle between Dahlan, Hamas -- (VIDEO) RAMALLAH - Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday''s Palestinian Authority elections were proceeding smoothly and praised his people for overcoming great obstacles to carry out the vote. "We are so happy with this election festival," Abbas said after casting his ballot.
Why Hamas is Gaining in Palestinian Polls
By Ilene R. Prusher, Palestine Chronicle/Christian Science Monitor 1/25/2006
When Palestinians vote in Wednesday''s elections, it''s Hamas''s more moderate tone and the disillusionment with the ruling Fatah Party, that will yield the group significant gains. -- NABLUS, WEST BANK (CSM)– Speaking easy English and shaking the hand of male and female visitors alike, Adli Yaish is hardly the typical face of Hamas, the Islamic ResistanceMovement. Rather, the new mayor of Nablus embodies a cadre of Hamas "spinoffs. " Gone are the full beards and fiery religious rhetoric. Absent are assertions that all Israel is a "Zionist entity" that Muslims must destroy. Saying they are inspired by - though not in lock step with - Hamas''s militant core, politicians like Mr. Yaish have come to the fore in the group''s first campaign for national representation.
Palestinians Vote in Closely Contested Polls
Palestine Chronicle 1/25/2006
Qorei said the ruling Fatah faction would respect the outcome of the election even if it lost out to Hamas. -- RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinians started voting Wednesday, January 25, in their first general elections in a decade, with Islamic resistance movement Hamas posing a serious threat to the ruling Fatah movement. Around 1. 34 million residents of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem (annexed unilaterally by Israel) were entitled to cast their ballots for the 132-member Palestinian Legislative Council. Election officials said they expected a high turnout and the early hours have so far proved their expectations to be true.
Palestinians Vote Wednesday Amid Wrangling Over Hamas’ Role
Palestine Media Center 1/24/2006
Barghouthi Calls for Unity Government with Hamas, Shaath Sets Conditions -- Campaigning in the Palestinian legislative elections ended at mid-night Monday, 24 hours before about 80 percent of eligible voters in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, who had registered with the Central Elections Commission (CEC), begin voting on Wednesday at about 1,000 polling centers to elect from among 11 lists and 414 independents their representatives at the 132-seat Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), amid inter-Palestinian as well as Palestinian-Israeli, US and EU wrangling over the role of Hamas in the upcoming Palestinian government.
Parties wrap up campaigns
AlJazeera 1/24/2006
Laila El-Haddad in Gaza and Khalid Amayreh in the West Bank -- Candidates have been making a final appeal to Palestinians for their support on the last day of official campaigning before the elections. In Gaza, parties held their final pre-election rallies, Islamist challenger Hamas in the central town of Dair al-Balah and ruling party Fatah in front of the late Yasser Arafat''s home. Fatah''s campaign strategy during the past month has focused on highlighting the historical accomplishments of the group, such as launching and leading the decades-old struggle for Palestinian statehood.
Hamas, Fatah neck and neck on eve of election
Ha''aretz 1/25/2006
Fatah and Hamas appear to be running neck-and-neck as 1. 34 million Palestinians prepare to vote in Wedndesday''s parliamentary elections in the Palestinian Authority. All of the Palestinian factions, with the sole exception of Islamic Jihad, are running in the elections. PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas Tuesday urged Palestinians to go out and vote en masse in order to "elect a new and suitable leadership. " According to information obtained by Haaretz, Hamas appears to have a slight advantage in the district races, while Fatah has an edge in the national race.
Analysis: A step forward for Palestinian democracy
By Danny Rubinstein, Ha''aretz 1/25/2006
Wednesday''s parliamentary elections in the Palestinian Authority are an important milestone in the short history of this political entity. It was not at all obvious that they would take place: The PA has held only one previous parliamentary election, 10 years ago. The next election was supposed to have been held in 2000, toward the end of the period covered by the Oslo interim agreement, but it was postponed due to the outbreak of the intifada. After that, there were a few other attempts to organize elections, but all failed. The lack of security in the West Bank and Gaza and the decline of the central government has brought the PA to the brink of anarchy. Today''s elections are a chance to correct this a chance to establish a new parliament and a new government that will finally implement PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas'' repeated declarations about "one law, one government and one gun. "
The Main Parties Contesting Palestinian Elections
Palestine Chronicle 1/24/2006
Following are some of the main players in the Palestinian parliamentary elections scheduled for January 25. -- Fatah: The ruling - and until these elections, largely unchallenged - Palestinian movement, Fatah was founded in 1959 and became the dominant party in the Palestine Liberation Organization ten years later.... Hamas: Campaigning as The Movement for Change and Reform, Hamas is contesting a Palestinian election for the first time and is expected to do particularly well.... Independent Palestine: The Independent Palestine list is headed by human rights activist Mustafa Barghouti, a physician who received a surprising 19 per cent of the vote in last year''s presidential election which was won by Mahmoud Abbas.
Call for huge voter turnout
AlJazeera 1/24/2006
The Palestinian president and armed groups have called for maximum voter turnout on the eve of elections. Mahmoud Abbas made his appeal on Tuesday as the main armed factions pledged to ensure that the second Palestinian general election passes off peacefully. "The elections are a right for every citizen which should be exercised," Abbas told reporters after a meeting with Jimmy Carter, former US president, who is overseeing the vote. "The elections should honestly reflect the choice of every Palestinian citizen. "
Candidate profiles
AlJazeera 1/24/2006
Here are some brief profiles of candidates in the Palestinian elections. -- FATAH: MARWAN AL-BARGHUTHI, 46, top candidate of MahmoudAbbas''s Fatah party and the most popular leader of the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, against Israeli occupation..... INTISSAR AL-WAZIR, 64, long-time leader of the Palestinian women''s movement. Has been welfare minister since 1996 and is the widow of Khalil al-Wazir, the military chief of the Palestine Liberation Organisation who was killed in an Israeli commando raid in Tunis in 1988.. member of the Palestine National Council since 1974.... HAMAS: ISMAIL HANIYA, 46, the top Hamas candidate. Born in Gaza''s Shati refugee camp, he graduated from Gaza City''s Islamic University 1987 with a degree in Arabic literature and became a close associate of Shaikh Ahmad Yassin, the founder of Hamas.
Palestinians up security for vote
BBC 1/24/2006
Police have been told to confront militants with an ''iron fist'' -- Thousands of Palestinian security men are being deployed at polling centres in the West Bank and Gaza ahead of legislative elections on Wednesday. The troops are on high alert and only uniformed personnel will be allowed weapons near polling stations. The run-up to the election has been marred by violence, but the main Palestinian militant groups have said they will ensure calm. The poll has been repeatedly delayed and will be the first since 1996.
Palestinian vote promises change
By Jeremy Bowen, BBC 1/24/2006
Palestinians want a change. There is not much about their lives that is changeable - after all, they have lived under an Israeli military occupation since 1967 - but 10 years after they first elected a legislature they are voting again, and all the signs are that they want their votes to count. In 1996 Fatah, the faction at the heart of the PLO that was created and led by Yasser Arafat, won an overwhelming victory in the first elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council. The difference then was that Hamas, the Islamist movement, did not stand. This time it is contesting the elections, and opinion polls put it neck and neck with Fatah.
State of emergency imposed ahead of Palestinian legislative election
ReliefWeb 1/24/2006
GAZA, Jan 24, 2006 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- The Palestinian Interior Ministry announced a state of emergency on Tuesday in a bid to ensure a secure and smooth legislative election due on Wednesday. Tawfik Abu Khousa, spokesman of the interior ministry, said in a press statement that as of Tuesday, 13,000 Palestinian security apparatuses and police will be deployed inside and around voting stations to protect the polls, which will be held in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem. The state of emergency will last till results of the elections are announced, he said, adding that "Instructions have been made to security members to provide security to all voting stations. "
Fatah attacked for taking US funds
AlJazeera 1/23/2006
Palestinian parties competing in legislative elections on Wednesday have criticised the reported US financial assistance to Fatah''s election campaign. The Washington Post On Sunday reported that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) gave $2 million to the Palestinian Authority (PA) to boost its image before the polls. The paper said the assistance was intended to counter Islamic resistance group Hamas, which the US considers a terrorist organisation. Fatah is the de facto governing party of the PA and faces a formidable challenge from Hamas, which is participating in legislative elections for the first time... Azmi Nibali, campaign manager of the leftist Freedom and Social Justice list, headed by Ahmad Majdalani, told Aljazeera. net that electoral law was being breached.
Fatah men on independent tickets could lose to Hamas
Ha''aretz 1/24/2006
More than 120 Fatah activists in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are running as independents in tomorrow''s elections, in addition to Fatah''s official candidates. An inquiry by Haaretz in six election districts shows Fatah may lose at least one seat in parliament in every district because of the possibility of a split vote between official and independent candidates. According to the Palestinian electoral system, half - or 66 members - of the Palestinian Legislative Council (the parliament) are elected on a national list. The other half are running as candidates in their district of residence.
Hamas, Fatah Deadlocked As Election Day Draws Near
Palestine Chronicle/Arab News 1/23/2006
Hamas candidates generally adopted a conciliatory tone, focusing on a clean-government agenda, and being evasive about whether the group would renounce violence. -- GAZA CITY - A new poll yesterday showed Hamas deadlocked with the ruling Fatah party ahead of next week’s parliamentary elections. The results were the latest sign of trouble for Fatah, which had dominated Palestinian politics for decades. According to yesterday’s poll, Fatah would capture 32. 3 percent of the vote, while Hamas would get 30. 2 percent. In Gaza, the two groups are just a few percentage points apart, with Hamas grabbing 36. 4 percent of the vote to Fatah’s 36. 7 percent.
Armed Factions to be banned from approaching ballots
International Middle East Media Center 1/23/2006
Palestinian Interior Minister Nasser Youssef announced on Monday that armed factions will not be allowed to be present around the ballots during Wednesday''s parliamentary elections. Youssef told a press conference held in the national security headquarters in the Gaza City that Palestinian security forces are the only authorized forces to protect the ballots on the Election Day. "No Palestinian armed activists will be allowed to get close to voting stations, even if he wants to cast his vote or he is guard of a political or resistance figure," said Youssef. He also revealed that Palestinian factions rejected last week a proposal by the ministry, which called for an arms-free election day and prohibited resistance fighters from carrying weapons inside the voting stations.
850 international observers registered in Palestinian elections
Palestine Monitor 1/22/2006
Xinhua - Jan 22, 2006 -- Ramallah - Executive Director of the Central Elections Committee (CEC) Ammar Dweik said on Sunday that some 850 international observers have been registered by the CEC to observe the Jan. 25 Palestinian legislative elections. Dweik told Voice of Palestine that the number of the international observers is approximately higher than that in the presidential elections in January 2005. A total of 241 observers are from the European Union, 100 from the U.S. National Democratic Institute (NDI), 60 from Canada, 75 from Italy, 20 from South Africa, 15 from Turkey, 27 from Russia, and the rest from Jordan and Egypt, according to the CEC.
Israel on alert as Hamas leads poll
The Observer 1/22/2006
The acting Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, is to hold urgent talks with senior cabinet members and security officials today to discuss Israel''s response to the strengthening wave of support for Hamas. The talks come as it has become clear that the organisation - best known in the West for sponsoring terrorist attacks - is certain to command a substantial share of the vote in this week''s Palestinian elections, with profound consequences for the Middle East peace process. The first voting in the elections began yesterday as thousands of members of the Palestinian security forces cast their ballots ahead of Wednesday''s crucial poll.
Hamas drawing level with Fatah
AlJazeera 1/21/2006
Hamas, the most powerful Islamist group in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, will be running neck and neck with the ruling Fatah party in next week’s legislative elections. According to the latest opinion survey by the Jerusalem Media and Communications Center, Hamas would receive 30. 2% and Fatah 32. 3% respectively of Palestinian votes in the West Bank if the elections were to be held today. This translates into 40 seats for Hamas and 42 to Fatah in the 132 seat Palestinian parliament.
Labor ready to relinquish East Jerusalem areas in peace deal
Ha''aretz 1/21/2006
Senior Labor Party officials on Friday formulated the party''s elections platform, which states willingness to relinquish the Arab neighborhoods of East Jerusalem under a peace deal with the Palestinians. "Jerusalem, on all its Jewish neighborhoods, will be Israel''s eternel capital," the platform states. "This is a statement that we are willing to give up the Muslim neighborhoods of Jerusalem in order to strengthen the Jewish majority," MK Yuli Tamir said. Labor seeks, nevertheless, to keep the holy Jewish sites in Jerusalem under Israeli control, according to the platform. The new platform marked the first time that a mainstream party said as part of campaign that it would be willing to give up parts of Jerusalem.
Likud: Kadima wants ''67 borders
YNetNews 1/19/2006
Netanyahu-led Likud opens election campaign with attack on rival Kadima, charging new centrist party planning to withdraw from entire West Bank, divide Jerusalem -- The Likud party launched its elections campaign with the slogan ‘Kadima (Forward) to the 1967 borders,’ an open attack at its main rival, claiming Kadima will withdraw from the entire West Bank. The Likud believes the slogan is a warning to the public that Kadima will make generous territorial concessions to the Palestinians in a way that could greatly threaten Israel’s security.
President Abbas Receives CEC Chairman and Secretary General
WAFA 1/20/2006
RAMALLAH, January 20, 2006 (WAFA)- President Mahmoud Abbas received Friday Chairman of the Central Elections Commission (CEC) Dr. Hanna Nasir and the CEC Secretary General, Dr. Rami Hamdallah. During their meeting in Ramallah Headquarters, they informed the President that the CEC has finished all preparations to conduct the Palestinian legislative elections on January 25, and the vote of the police and security forces tomorrow. President Abbas said that all security measures have been taken to ensure that th elections would be free and transparent, appreciating the great efforts. [end]
In bid to pull voters, Hamas approaches stance of Fatah
Ha''aretz 1/18/2006
Hamas'' platform for the Palestinian Legislative Council elections on January 25 attempts to get around the fact that the organization''s charter calls for the destruction of Israel and the establishment of a Palestinian theocracy from the Mediterranean to the Jordan River. Using the official name Hamas is running under, the platform states: "The Change and Reform list believes that its participation in the parliamentary elections is part of the overall plan for the liberation of Palestine, return of the Palestinian people to its land and homeland and founding its independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. This participation bolsters the intifada plan and resistance that the Palestinian people took upon itself as a strategic option to end the occupation. "
Fatwa: Don''t vote in PA elections
YNetNews 1/17/2006
Hamas fears fatwa released by Islamic Liberation Party will harm its chances in upcoming elections -- The Islamic Liberation Party (ILP), most of whose members are also Hamas members, publicized a fatwa saying it was illegal to vote in the upcoming PA elections according to the Islamic religion, and that Muslims must not take part in the vote. Hamas is worried about the fatwa''s impact, believing it may harm its chances of winning the Palestinian parliamentary elections next week. The ILP has attacked Hamas for its participation, claiming that the elections are taking place in the context of the Oslo agreements, ''which give up sections of Palestine. ''
Abbas ''will not be leader again''
BBC 1/16/2006
Mahmoud Abbas has said he will not run for office again when his current term as president of the Palestinian Authority ends in three years. "I will just complete my remaining three years in office," he said. "I will not run again. That is absolute. "Mr Abbas'' remarks were published in Palestinian newspapers roughly a year after elections that confirmed him as a successor to late leader Yasser Arafat. Mr Abbas also said he is ready to work with acting Israeli leader Ehud Olmert. Mr Olmert took over the reins of state after Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon entered a coma early in January.
Abbas Won’t Seek Re-election, Pledges to Implement Reforms
Palestine Media Center 1/16/2006
PNA Slams Exclusion of Hamas, Insists Oslo Is ‘the Basis’ of ElectionsAmid official and popular confrontation with Israel over Palestinian voting in occupied Jerusalem, President Mahmoud Abbas said Sunday he would not seek re-election after his four-year term ends in 2009 and pledged to reinforce democracy and implement his program of reforms. “One year passed, I''m not intending to run again for presidency after the three years end,” Abbas said during a ceremony to mark the first anniversary of his election to succeed the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in the West Bank city of Ramallah.
Palestinians to Vote in Jerusalem, Slam Ban On Hamas
Palestine Chronicle 1/16/2006
Israel had threatened to block voting in the occupied city in protest to Hamas participation in the January 25 polls. -- OCCUPIED JERUSALEM - Israel finally approved on Sunday, January 15, allowing Palestinians in Occupied East Jerusalem to vote in the Palestinian legislative elections, scheduled for January 25, but banned Hamas from listing its candidates on ballots in the holy city, drawing immediate rebuke from the Palestinian Authority and the resistance group. The government approved the decision unanimously, an official said, after US pressure to lift, in the interests of Palestinian democracy, opposition to voting in the occupied holy city, reported Reuters.
Dahlan slams Hamas for stance on Jerusalem
International Middle East Media Center 1/16/2006
Former PA Minister of Civil Affairs, Mohammad Dahlan, who resigned his post to run in the Palestinian Legislative Elections elections, slammed on Sunday Hamas movement for what he said its stances on Jerusalem, religion, politics and Israel. Dahlan is currently a candidate for the upcoming Palestinian Legislative Council elections, in Khan Younis district, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. "Last week, Hamas issued statements which shocked us; we were surprised how such a movement can give up its principles so easily", Dahlan said while referring to the position Hamas took after Israeli imposed restrictions on elections in East Jerusalem.
Islamic Jihad calls on supporters to boycott elections
International Middle East Media Center 1/16/2006
The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine called on its supporters to boycott the upcoming Palestinian Legislative Council elections scheduled for January 25. The movement said that the elections are based on the Oslo accords which it does not recognize. Nafith Azzam, one of the prominent leaders of the Islamic jihad in Gaza said on Monday morning that the decided to boycott the elections "because they are part of the Oslo agreement", and that the foundations of the legislative council are based on the Oslo agreement.
The Election Dance
By Laila el-Haddad, The Guardian 1/13/2006
This is the first of a series of blog posts on the forthcoming Palestinian elections from freelance journalist and blogger Laila el-Haddad, who lives in Gaza City. Laila''s blog Raising Yousuf, is named after her two-year-old son. We’ve had an unusual spell of quiet in our otherwise troubled little Gaza this week. That may be attributed in part to the four-day Eid al-Adha holiday, which comes to its conclusion today. That, in combination with an ailing Ariel Sharon and calls by Mahmoud Abbas to armed groups for some “calm” (not that his calls have necessarily been heeded in the past), has meant a somewhat quieter week: no kidnappings, no government-building takeovers, no night-time machine gun banter between police forces and “disgruntled gunmen” to keep us entertained during breaks from Israeli sonic booms and artillery shells.
Fatah accused of sabotaging vote
AlJazeera 1/12/2006
The Palestinian leadership''s failure to rein in militants operating in its name is prompting accusations that elements within the ruling Fatah faction are seeking a pretext to call off elections due in less than two weeks'' time. Deadly violence and kidnappings of foreigners, blamed on militants loyal to Fatah, have created a climate of insecurity in the Gaza Strip that Fatah opponents and analysts argue is intended to create a reason for postponing the vote if the party, which has dominated government for a long time, looks like losing. Hamas, the Islamist group, is taking part for the first time in what are only the second Palestinian parliamentary elections and is expected to give Fatah a run for its money.
Palestinian unrest fans charges of bid to derail vote
ReliefWeb 1/12/2006
GAZA CITY, Jan 12, 2006 (AFP) - The Palestinian leadership''s failure to rein in militants operating in its name is prompting accusations that elements within the ruling Fatah faction are seeking a pretext to call off elections due in less than two weeks'' time. Islamic militant group Hamas is taking part for the first time in what are only the second ever Palestinian parliamentary elections and is expected to give Fatah a run for its money. Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas has said that the elections will go ahead as planned after he received US assurances that Israel would allow voting in occupied and annexed east Jerusalem.
Palestinian Legislative Council Elections in East Jerusalem
International Solidarity Movement 1/10/2006
Insisting on our Democratic Rights -- BY The Jerusalem Committee of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations (PNGO) - Jerusalem: 12 days exactly separate us from the Palestinian legislative Council Election Day. This is the first communiqué from the Coalition for Jerusalem stating the position of the Coalition regarding the Right of the Palestinians of Occupied East Jerusalem (OEJ) to participate in the upcoming Palestinian Legislative Council elections, due on January 25, 2006, on an equal footing with any other Palestinian living in the territories which were occupied during the 1967 War.... Coalition Statement: We insist that the Legislative Council elections should be held as scheduled, and should not be postponed for any reason or disruption other than the Israeli obstructions to elections in OEJ...
PLC candidates reject the Israeli conditions on Jerusalem campaigns
International Middle East Media Center 1/9/2006
Palestinians candidates for the upcoming legislative elections, refused to abide by the Israeli conditions regarding the participation of Jerusalemite Palestinians in the Legislative Council elections, particularly as the Israeli police gave the candidates specific conditions in order to be allowed to campaign in Jerusalem. Palestinian Cabinet Minister, and chief negotiator, Dr. Saeb Erekat, told the Maan News Agency that the Palestinian Authority was not officially informed of the Israeli conditions regarding this issue. He stressed, "Palestinians, without any exception, have the right to participate in the elections, voting and campaigning".
Hamas talks openly for first time about forming next Palestinian government
Ha''aretz 1/8/2006
Hamas spoke openly for the first time yesterday about the possibility of forming the next Palestinian government after this month''s elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council (the parliament). Hamas is expected to deliver a major drubbing to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas'' Fatah party, which has dominated Palestinian politics for four decades, but has fallen into disfavor because of corruption and lawlessness on Palestinian streets. But Hamas has never said straight out that it might agree to form a government. During a visit to families of people killed or taken prisoner during the intifada, Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar was asked if the atmosphere were ripe for Hamas to form a government that wouldn''t deal with Israel, Hamas reported on its Web site.
DFLP Leader Abu Laila: “We want a coalition for all democratic factions”
International Middle East Media Center 1/5/2006
Qais Abul-Karim (Abu Laila), senior official at the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), head of Al Badeel (the Alternative) elections list, said that the front attempted in all of it dialogues with other factions, to create a flexible coalition to the upcoming legislative elections. Al Badeel is a coalition between the DFLP, the Palestinian People Party (PPP), Palestinian Democratic Union (FIDA), and independent candidates. He said that the Front is currently formulating a plan which will be adopted by the coalition; the plan aims at reducing poverty rates, unemployment and reconsidering the priorities in the Palestinian finical balance, in addition to ending all sorts of corruption and improving the basic services provided to the residents.
Palestinians Campaign for an Election that may not be held
Palestine Monitor/New York Times 1/4/2006
Jerusalem - Campaigning for Palestinian legislative elections opened Tuesday despite doubts about whether the vote will actually take place on Jan. 25. With the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, on a tour of the Persian Gulf, Deputy Prime Minister Nabil Shaath cited the late Yasir Arafat, who died in November 2004, in kicking off the campaign for a riven Fatah movement. Speaking by Mr. Arafat''s tomb in Ramallah, on the West Bank, and using his nom de guerre, Mr. Shaath said, "With your permission, Abu Ammar, we will continue to fly the flag of Fatah and head to victory. "
Palestinian election commission quits
ReliefWeb 1/5/2006
RAMALLAH, West Bank, Jan 5 (Reuters) - The Palestinian Elections Commission (CEC) said on Thursday it had resigned in protest at what it called government interference, in a move that could obstruct a Jan. 25 parliamentary election. The CEC is an independent commission that supervises Palestinian elections. It would be impossible to conduct the election without it as it is in charge of making logistical arrangements for the ballot. A letter of resignation was sent to President Mahmoud Abbas''s office late on Wednesday. But the Palestinian leader had not yet received it as he was abroad and was not due to return until later on Thursday.
DFLP Leader Abu Laila: “We want a coalition for all democratic factions”
International Middle East Media Center 1/5/2006
Interviewed by Rashid Hilal- Palestine News Network -- Qais Abul-Karim (Abu Laila), senior official at the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), head of Al Badeel (the Alternative) elections list, said that the front attempted in all of it dialogues with other factions, to create a flexible coalition to the upcoming legislative elections. Al Badeel is a coalition between the DFLP, the Palestinian People Party (PPP), Palestinian Democratic Union (FIDA), and independent candidates.
Photostory: Campaigning begins for Palestinian elections
Electronic Intifada 1/5/2006
A Palestinian boy is seen at a bus decorated with Hamas campaign posters for the upcoming Palestinian Legislative Elections in the Jabaliya Refugee Camp in the northern Gaza Strip January 4, 2006. / Posters of different electoral lists running for the Palestinian Legislative Elections are stuck in the streets at the West Bank town of Ramallah January 4, 2006. / Palestinians attend a campaign rally for the upcoming Palestinian Legislative Elections of the Islamic group Hamas in the West Bank city of Hebron January 3, 2006...
PA fears bloodbath during elections
YNetNews 1/5/2006
Hamas claims Fatah trying to postpone elections, while Fatah accuses Hamas of conceding Jerusalem after it agreed to hold elections without vote of east Jerusalem residents. PA announces security forces will not secure voting stations on Election Day -- While Israel is in the midst of coming to terms with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon''s medical condition, the Palestinians are dealing with their own internal issues – mainly the upcoming PA elections in three weeks. The Palestinian Authority and Hamas renewed their finger pointing Thursday, with Hamas slamming PA Interior Minister Nasser Yousef''s announcement that Palestinian security forces would not secure Elections Day.
Palestinian election commission quits over Qureia interference
Ha''aretz 1/4/2006
The Palestinian election commission sent a letter to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas Wednesday tendering its resignation, charging that Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia is interfering in the process, election officials told The Associated Press. Parliamentary elections are set for Jan. 25, but there have been calls for a delay because of disorder and chaos, especially in the Gaza Strip. Veteran Fatah leaders, including Qureia, have been pressing for postponement, partly because the militant Hamas is poised to score significant gains.
Uncertainty over Palestinian poll
BBC 1/3/2006
Campaigning is set to begin in Palestinian parliamentary elections, amid doubts about whether the poll will actually go ahead. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has said he will delay the vote if Israel refuses to allow Palestinians in east Jerusalem to vote on 25 January. However, he dismissed calls from within his ruling Fatah party to postpone the poll over growing instability in Gaza. Some opposition groups say Fatah leaders fear they may do badly. In the first general election for 10 years, Fatah faces a strong challenge from the Islamic militant group Hamas.
Abbas vows to end chaos as PLC vote looms
By Amira Hass, Ha''aretz 1/1/2006
The unrest instigated by armed Fatah members over the past few days and the growing bitterness in the movement over the united list for the Palestinian Authority parliamentary elections are further weakening support for the movement and reducing the chances that the elections will be held as scheduled, Fatah activists said over the weekend. Fatah appears to be doing its best to dissuade people from voting for it, as well as to signal that the elections will not take place on January 25, because of the possibility that it will suffer a defeat.
Abbas considers delaying Palestinian elections
The Guardian 1/3/2006
The Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas will delay elections due on January 25 if Israel bars Palestinians in East Jerusalem from voting, he announced yesterday. Senior members of the ruling Fatah party urged Mr Abbas yesterday to delay the parliamentary elections, reflecting fears that the Islamist group Hamas will deal Fatah a blow in the polls. "We all agree that Jerusalem should be included in the elections," Mr Abbas told al-Jazeera during a visit to Doha, capital of Qatar. "If it is not included, all the factions agree there should be no elections. " But Hamas denied agreeing to a delay.
Just holding an election is considered an achievement
By Danny Rubinstein, Ha''aretz 1/3/2006
Campaign ads are absent from Palestinian papers and slogans have yet to be spray painted on walls of buildings. The only signs visible on the Ramallah Road at the end of the week were placards raised by the Hamas bearing the ubiquitous pronouncement that "Islam is the solution. " Despite that, spirits churn under the surface. Elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC, the parliament) are slated to take place on January 25, just three weeks away.... One may now paint a picture of the power play which is about to ensue, based on the election committee''s promotional material and public opinion polls:
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 Conflict..
Palestinian Groups Clash in Gaza
Palestine Chronicle 1/29/2006
Eight people were injured in several gun battles in Khan Younis - in what were the first armed clashes between Hamas and Fatah since the elections. -- GAZA CITY (BBC NEWS) - Rival groups have clashed in the Gaza Strip, two days after the Islamic militant group Hamas swept to victory in Palestinian polls. The worst trouble flared up in Khan Younis. Several were wounded when Hamas activists exchanged fire with members of Fatah - which lost the election. Fatah activists also rallied against their own leaders, blaming them for the defeat and setting cars on fire. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has said Hamas should form a new cabinet.
Olmert orders speedier construction of separation fence
Ha''aretz 1/26/2006
Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ordered faster construction of the West Bank separation fence on Wednesday, after chairing his first government-level discussion on the matter, a senior official said. "He made it very clear that the fence has to be completed as quickly as possible," the official said. The decision, which followed hints by Olmert that he could set Israel''s borders unilaterally should he win March 28 elections and peace talks remain stalled, drew censure from Palestinians.... Olmert recommended rerouting the fence so as to enclose the northern Jerusalem neighborhood of Ramot within the city limits while placing the nearby village of Beit Ichsa on the Palestinian side of the fence.
Army arrests 11 residents in the West Bank
International Middle East Media Center 1/25/2006
Israeli army radio reported, on Wednesday morning, that soldiers arrested 11 residents from several areas in the West Bank. According to the source, two were arrested in Nablus city, two were arrested in Bethlehem, and seven residents were arrested in Tulkarem city. The arrests were carried out despite an Israeli statement which claimed that the army will halt its operations in the Palestinian territories during the Palestinian legislative council elections which started earlier on Wednesday. [end]
Rightists arrested in Jerusalem
YNetNews 1/25/2006
''Jerusalem is ours, Amman is yours'' -- Baruch Marzel, Itamar Ben Gvir, four more far right activists arrive at Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem to protest the PA elections; police detain the six for questioning. Knesset Members Arieh Eldad and Effie Eitam banned from entering Jaffa Gate voting station -- Jerusalem Police have detained six far Right activists, headed by National Jewish Front leader Baruch Marzel and Itamar Ben Gvir, for causing disturbances near the Jaffa Gate in east Jerusalem to protest Palestinian voting in the capital. Police officials said the group of rightists was detained after attempting to confront police officers. At the same time, Knesset Members and National Union party members Effie Eitam and Arieh Eldad arrived at the Jaffa Gate with the intention of of entering a Palestinian polling station near the gate.
Fatah leader in West Bank shot dead
The Guardian 1/24/2006
Today Fatah gunmen shot to death Abu Ahmed Hassouna, 44, a party leader in Nablus after he told them to stop shooting at campaign posters on his house, relatives said. -- Palestinian gunmen linked to the ruling Fatah movement killed one of their own party''s leaders today, increasing tensions ahead of tomorrow''s Palestinian elections. Candidates were banned from campaigning today for a cooling-off period before the election. But the murder raised doubts about the latest pledges by armed groups in the West Bank and Gaza not to commit violence during the vote. Opinion polls have shown Fatah and Hamas in a close race ahead of the election and both sides have said they might form a coalition government.
IDF nabs top Hamas, Jihad men in predawn W. Bank arrest raids
Ha''aretz 1/24/2006
Israel Defense Forces troops arrested eight wanted Palestinians in a series of predawn raids in the West Bank on Tuesday, despite Israel''s decision to reduce to a minimum military operations in Palestinian territories ahead of Wednesday''s legislative elections. The arrested included several senior militants, including Abdallah Arrar, a Hamas militant suspected of masterminding the abduction and murder of Sasson Nuriel in 2005. Mahmoud Abu Rob, the Islamic Jihad commander in the southern Jenin area, was also arrested Tuesday.
Militants pledge to ensure smooth Palestinian vote
ReliefWeb 1/24/2006
GAZA, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Militant groups pledged on the eve of Palestinian elections to prevent any attempt to disrupt voting in the poll, which could usher the powerful Hamas movement into government for the first time. In election-related violence, gunmen shot dead a Palestinian who tried to prevent them from removing campaign posters of a candidate from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas''s Fatah party in the West Bank city of Nablus, residents said on Tuesday. Hamas, running in its first parliamentary election, is expected to make a strong showing and pose the most serious electoral challenge yet to the mainstream Fatah.
Tensions high in Nablus
YNetNews 1/24/2006
PA anarchy: Fatah member murdered, officials fear incident could hamper elections -- The Palestinian elections in Nablus may be in danger after a Fatah election activist was murdered in the city Monday night, Palestinian Authority officials said Tuesday. Yusuf Hassouna, 25, was shot during a quarrel with other Fatah members. His family announced that he will not be buried until his death is avenged, or until the murderers turn themselves in. "The murder of a Fatah member by other Fatah members will lead to tension and violence," a member of the Fatah''s al-Aqsa Martyrs'' Brigades told Ynet.
Israel suspends operations ahead of Palestinian election
ReliefWeb 1/23/2006
Ramallah/Tel Aviv_(dpa) _ Two days before the Palestinian parliamentary elections, Israel announced Monday that it was suspending all military operations against militants in the Palestinian areas until after the vote. The exception would be operations against immediate threats, where there could be no postponements, an army spokeswoman told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa. The army also promised to relax procedures at road blocks and to allow members of the Palestinian security forces to patrol armed in Palestinians city centres.... Israel plans to increase forces in the territories ahead of the elections, in order to speed up checks at checkpoints and to protect settlements from possible attacks.
Lawless in Gaza: leaders try to end chaos by taking guns off the street
The Guardian 1/23/2006
Shooting and kidnapping in Fatah, Hamas violence [sic - no Hamas violence is reported in the article - Ed. ]· Jobless militias behind wave of bloody feuding -- Palestinian leaders yesterday tried to end the political and clan violence that has plagued Gaza since the Israeli withdrawal by ordering their followers to keep guns off the streets during this week''s elections. The growing lawlessness, fuelled by the proliferation of weapons turned inward now there are no Israelis to fight, has resulted in a string of shootings, kidnappings of foreigners and inter-family feuds that have left a score of people dead.
Palestinian security moves into top gear for vote
ReliefWeb 1/22/2006
GAZA CITY, Jan 22, 2006 (AFP) - Palestinian security forces were set to declare a maximum state of alert ahead of Wednesday''s parliamentary elections as a civilian was killed in an Israeli airstrike on northern Gaza. As the Palestinians were gearing up for crunch general elections in three days time, the Israeli airforce launched a strike near Gaza City, in what a militant faction claimed was a failed assassination attempt. An army spokesman said troops had launched "an aerial strike" against gunmen near the Karni crossing with Israel. The radical Popular Resistance Committees, however, said one of its leaders had been targeted, but instead, the raid had killed a 22-year-old passerby.
22 injured in Tel Aviv suicide bombing
The Guardian 1/20/2006
A Palestinian suicide bomber killed himself and injured 22 others yesterday when he detonated his explosives in a busy restaurant in Tel Aviv, six days before Palestinian elections. There could have been more casualties but the explosives appeared to detonate away from the restaurant''s customers, leading police to speculate that the blast occurred prematurely. Police said the bomber posed as a peddler selling disposable razor blades when he entered a small kebab restaurant in Tel Aviv''s old bus station district. Yehiel Ohana, who works in a nearby store, said the bomber aroused his suspicions because of his unsteady gait.
Settler rams Palestinian youth with car
International Middle East Media Center 1/20/2006
Palestinian sources in Nablus report that a settler rammed a Palestinian youth with his car near Huwwara village, south of Nablus, and fled the scene. The Maan News Agency reported that Khader Odah, 18, was hanging posters for a candidate for the legislative elections when the settler noticed him and speeded his car against him. Odah suffered moderate injuries and was transferred to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus. A medical source in the hospital reported that Odah suffered severe fractures to several parts of his body. [end]
Abbas: Attack aimed to derail PA elections
YNetNews 1/19/2006
Palestinian leader condemns Tel Aviv bombing, says perpetrators must be punished -- Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas described Thursday’s suicide bombing attack in Tel Aviv as an “act of sabotage aimed at undermining the elections, and not just the elections, but also Palestinian security. ” Abbas condemned the attack, saying "the perpetrators should be punished. They meant to harm the elections and the Palestinian Authority. They breach law and order. ” Samir Halayla, the chairman of the Palestinian Cabinet, said the attack harms Palestinian interests and was aimed at torpedoing the January 25 parliamentary elections.
IDF kills senior Hamas militant in pre-dawn West Bank operation
Ha''aretz 1/17/2006
Israel Defense Forces troops killed a senior Palestinian militant during an exchange of fire in the West Bank on Tuesday, witnesses and the army said. Witnesses said soldiers surrounded a hideout used by Thabet Ayyadeh, 24, leader of the Hamas military wing in Tul Karm, and shot him dead in the ensuing clash. An IDF spokeswoman confirmed that the predawn raid targeted a "senior fugitive", and said troops had first tried to arrest him. The militant was killed after he stormed out of his hideout and opened fire, she said. An IDF soldier was lightly hurt in the operation. A declared "state of calm" under which Palestinian militants scaled back their attacks expired this month, but [Palestinian] violence had still been kept largely in check ahead of Jan. 25 legislative elections in which Hamas is taking part for the first time.
Fatah groups threaten to block elections
Ha''aretz 1/18/2006
Armed Fatah groups warned yesterday that they would block Palestinian parliamentary elections slated for next week, while a Hamas leader announced for the first time that the militant group planned to participate in the Palestinian government. Several armed Fatah groups threatened to not allow the Palestinian Legislative Council elections to take place, and they warned residents not to go to the polls. The elections are scheduled for January 25. A group affiliated with Fatah''s military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs'' Brigades, announced yesterday that elections would not take place in the West Bank city of Nablus and called on residents not to vote.
Army arrests 12 Palestinians in Tulkarem overnight
International Middle East Media Center 1/12/2006
At least 18 army vehicles invaded the northwestern West Bank city of Tulkarem after midnight, Palestinian sources reported. Thursday''s early morning invasion targeted Hamas operatives and supporters. Hamas is expected to win a major number of seats in the upcoming Palestinian Legislative Council elections. Ma''an Independent News Agency reported that Israeli forces used trained dogs in the attack arresting 12 Palestinians... This is part of a major Israeli campaign against Hamas leading up to 25 January PLC elections.
Palestinians in Gaza Fear War Between Fatah and Hamas After Vote
Palestine Monitor/New York Times 1/11/2006
Campaigning by Fatah and Hamas, the two main Palestinian political factions, paused Tuesday while people slaughtered sheep and goats and the occasional ox for the annual Muslim holiday Id al-Adha. But the mood was subdued amid talk of war between the factions, and Palestinian security forces said they were girding for violence, fearing that the legislative elections scheduled for Jan. 25 could lead to fighting. "If civil war starts, it will last a long time and cost thousands of lives," said Sameeh Nasser, a police officer riding through Gaza City''s chaotic streets in a light-blue Peugeot patrol car.
Mofaz delays Amona evacuation by 14 days
Ha''aretz 1/13/2006
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz yesterday decided to postpone the evacuation of the settlement outpost of Amona, near Ofra, for another two weeks. Mofaz said he made the decision due to a petition to the High Court of Justice filed by Amona residents, which the court has agreed to hear next Wednesday, and the Palestinian Authority elections, which are scheduled for January 25. At the same time, however, he ordered the dismantling of three Nablus-area outposts - the Aroussi Farm near Bracha, the Skelly Farm near Elon Moreh and Hill 725 near Yitzhar - to proceed.
Palestinian unrest intensifies ahead of elections
Daily Star 1/5/2006
Palestinian gunmen bulldozed a barricade on the Gaza Strip''s border with Egypt, disrupted traffic and stormed government offices on Wednesday in growing unrest ahead of elections later this month. Amid the chaos, Israel said it was ready to open talks with Hamas if it wins the Palestinian general election as long as the Islamist movement lays down its weapons, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said. In Gaza, gunmen, renegade members of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades militant group, went on the rampage after police arrested a local leader on suspicion of involvement in the kidnapping of three Britons last week.
Gaza gunmen rampage on Egypt border
YNetNews 1/4/2006
Palestinian gunmen, members of al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, bulldoze barricade on border, disrupt traffic on frontier, storm government offices after police arrest local leader on suspicion of involvement in kidnapping of three Britons last week -- Palestinians swarmed across the Gaza Strip''s frontier with Egypt after gunmen bulldozed through protective barricades on Wednesday, prompting Egyptian border police to fire warning shots, witnesses said. Gunmen disrupted traffic on the frontier and stormed government offices on Wednesday in growing unrest ahead of elections later this month.
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Diplomacy..
U.S. Congress moves to legislate against Hamas-led PA
Ha''aretz 2/1/2006
WASHINGTON - Republican Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, from Florida, submitted on Tuesday the first legislative response to Hamas'' landslide victory in Palestinian elections last week. The bill, co-sponsored by Democratic Congressman Tom Lantos, from California, includes a number of extremely harsh measures against the radical Islamic movement. However, sources in Washington predicted that some of the provisions will not be included in the final draft of the bill. There is reason to believe that the administration will try to moderate its tone during negotiations with legislators, which are expected to last a few weeks.
Jerusalem Patriarchs, Heads of Churches Congratulate Palestinian
WAFA/People for Democratic Performance 1/31/2006
JERUSALEM, January 31, 2006 (WAFA)- The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches of Jerusalem congratulated the Palestinian people for their democratic performance in the recent parliamentary elections. In a press release issued Tuesday, they expressed their respect and support to the will of the people expressed in these elections, and congratulated "all those who were elected". "Our message as Christian leaders in this new phase of our history is the message of our faith and our concern for all. Some may be afraid or troubled because of this new phase. We respond, first, with the words of Jesus Christ: "Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace which the world cannot give" (Jn 14:27).
Quartet gives Hamas time to change
AlJazeera 1/30/2006
Hamas has won time from a wary European Union, Russia and the US to renounce violence and recognise Israel''s right to exist before it forms the next Palestinian government. Meeting on Monday in London in the wake of Hamas'' stunning victory in last week''s Palestinian elections, the diplomatic Quartet on Middle East peace - which also includes the UN - pledged to keep money flowing into the interim caretaker administration of Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president. "We do believe that Abu Mazen [Mahmoud Abbas] needs to be supported," Condoleezza Rice, US secretary of state, said, ensuring that funds will be available to pay for Palestinian police officers and civil servants.
Saddam greets Hamas victory
AlJazeera 1/31/2006
Lawyers of jailed former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein has said that their client asked them to convey his congratulations to Hamas who won the Palestinian elections. Member of Saddam Hussein''s defence team Salih al-Armoti told Aljazeera. net that "the president was pleased to hear about Hamas''s victory". "He [Saddam] said he sympathises with any party which stands firm against hegemony, and does not compromise principles for interests" al-Armoti said. "The president said he was pleased to learn that the Palestinian people have finally been able to make a decision for themselves," he said.
President Meets King of Jordan in Amman, Egyptian PM in Cairo
WAFA 1/31/2006
CAIRO, January 31, 2006 (WAFA)- President Mahmoud Abbas held talks Tuesday in Cairo with the Egyptian Prime Minister, Ahmed Nazef, after a meeting in Amman with King of Jordan Abdullah II. The Palestinian-Egyptian talks taclked the latest developments in the Palestinian territories in light of the Palestinian legislative elections results, in addition to issues of common interest. Earlier, President Abbas described his talks with King Abdullah II as important. He also expressed thanks and appreciation for the King over supporting the Palestinians and defending their rights.
British MP Calls for Clear Thinking to Hamas Victory
WAFA 1/31/2006
LONDON, January 31, 2006 (WAFA)- A British MP who was an official international observer at the Palestinian elections last week has called for "clear thinking and a measured response" to Hamas'' sweeping victory. In an e-mail sent to WAFA, Mr. Richard Burden said that the international community is right to make clear to Hamas that they must abandon the path of violence and that recognition of Israel will be part of any lasting settlement. However, he warns against the "imposition of ill-thought through preconditions on exploratory dialogue with Palestine''s new government. "
Dichter: PA ministers with terror ties not immune to assassination
Ha''aretz 1/29/2006
Former Shin Bet chief and political newcomer Avi Dichter said on Sunday that Israel should hunt down wanted Hamas leaders even if they become ministers in a newly elected Palestinian government. Dichter, who is seen as a frontrunner for a top security post after general elections, said he doubted Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas would remain in power, except as a "puppet leader", following Hamas''s election victory. "(Abbas) knows very well that he''s going to find himself in a high-noon situation, and I''m sure that he is fully aware of the fact that he is not going to be the last man standing," said Dichter.
Olmert: Israel won''t transfer PA tax revenues to ''murderers''
Ha''aretz 1/30/2006
Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has decided to postpone the monthly transfer of tax revenues that Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, due to Hamas'' victory in last week''s Palestinian elections. The Finance Ministry is supposed to transfer some NIS 200 million to the PA in another two days. However, a government source said, "the money will not be transferred this week. It may be transferred in the future. "Speaking yesterday at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Jerusalem, Olmert was blunt. "We have no intention of enabling fund transfers that will be used for terrorism," he said.
Israel, EU and US Strangle PNA into Financial Chaos
Palestine Media Center 1/30/2006
Israel Stops Tax Proceeds to PNA -- The Palestinian people in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip face aid cut threats from the Western countries as well as from Israel, as a punishment for electing the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the parliamentary election on January 25, amid warnings from the PNA and the envoy of the Middle East Quartet, James Wolfensohn, that a financial crisis will push the Palestinian territories into chaos in a matter of days. Top diplomats of the Middle East Quartet and the European Union foreign ministers are scheduled to meet in London and Brussels respectively on Monday to review financial aid to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) following the landslide victory of Hamas in the legislative elections.
Netanyahu Compares Hamas Election Win to Rise of Hitler
Palestine Chronicle 1/30/2006
Kadima issued a statement saying the State of Israel ''remembers very well Benjamin Netanyahu''s resounding failure as prime minister. '' -- While stumping in Netanya on Sunday, Likud Chairman MK Benjamin Netanyahu compared Hamas'' victory in Palestinian parliamentary elections last week to the rise of the Nazis in Germany in the 1930s. "A few days ago, a new foe arose," Netanyahu said at a campaign stop at the Park Hotel. "When Hitler rose to power, it was said that ruling would moderate him, and it was also said in regard to the Ayatollah''s regime and the Taliban. There are urgent warning signs that [scream] out a lust for murder and destruction. "
Aid for Palestinians in jeopardy by major powers
ReliefWeb 1/30/2006
LONDON, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Future funding for the Palestinian Authority is in jeopardy as the major peace brokers in the Middle East meet on Monday to plot how to deal with a new Palestinian government led by militant group Hamas. Members of the Quartet -- the European Union, the United Nations, the United States and Russia -- meet in London to discuss whether isolating Hamas politically and financially is the best policy after the Islamic militants surprise victory in last week''s parliamentary elections. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, in London for the meeting, said while the United States would fulfill its current aid commitments to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Washington could not fund Hamas in government.
French Jews, Canadian Muslims Urge Respect of Hamas Win
Palestine Chronicle 1/30/2006
The Jewish union slammed the ferocious campaign by the US, the EU and Israel against Hamas after its landslide election victory. -- PARIS/ TORONTO - The Jewish French Union for Peace (JFPP) has criticized the ferocious campaign by the US, the EU and Israel against Hamas after the group’s landslide victory in last week’s legislative elections and called for respecting the democratic choice of the Palestinian people. The same call was echoed by Canadian Muslim leaders, who urged the new government to recognize Hamas and give it a chance.
PINR Report: Hamas, PNA Face Difficult Times Ahead
Palestine Media Center 1/30/2006
Power and Interest News Report - Report Drafted By: Dr. P. R. Kumaraswamy -- The victory of the militant Islamic group Hamas in the Palestinian parliamentary elections held on January 25, 2006 raises many questions. Both the Palestinians and the international community are entering unchartered and turbulent waters. At least in the immediate future, there is less likelihood for a meaningful peace process. The historic significance of the election and its outcome cannot be denied. The success of Hamas in securing a convincing majority in the 132-member Palestinian parliament is a reflection of the popular discontent, disappointment and disapproval of the Fatah-led Palestinian National Authority (P. N. A. ). [See also Power and Interest News Report ]
Rice: We underestimated Hamas
YNetNews 1/30/2006
U.S. Secretary of State Rice admits administration failed to predict Palestinian elections'' outcome; ''everyone was caught off guard,'' she adds. Rice states U.S. won''t fund Hamas-led government -- WASHINGTON - First sanctions: United States Secretary of States Condoleezza Rice on Sunday ruled out any American financial aid to a Hamas government in the Palestinian territories and said Washington wants Arab nations and others to cut off money as well. The top U.S. diplomat spoke to reporters as she flew to London for a Mideast strategy session with European and Russian leaders and United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Olmert: No dialogue with Hamas
Ha''aretz 1/30/2006
Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert yesterday denied press reports that he had reprimanded the Israeli intelligence community for failing to predict the Hamas landslide in Palestinian elections last week. Olmert said: "At no point was there any kind of rebuke of intelligence personnel. The reports are groundless. The cabinet and I have complete confidence in the military establishment, the chief of staff, Military Intelligence and the Shin Bet security service. "Hamas instructed its leaders in the territories, particularly those elected to parliament, to tone down the rhetoric in the press regarding the organization''s plans for forming a cabinet. As a result, the organization''s Gaza spokesmen have reduced their media interviews and focused on transmitting calming messages.
Hamas Urges National Unity, Defends Right to Resist
Palestine Chronicle 1/29/2006
Meshaal played down American and European threats to strip Palestinians of economic assistance. ''We are not beggars and will not beg their aid. '' -- CAIRO/DAMASCUS - Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal on Saturday, January 28, held out a hand to vanquished Fatah movement of President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) for a national partnership serving the welfare of the Palestinian people, asserting that resistance in no way contradicts the political game. "Our top priority now is consulting with Fatah and Abu Mazen who helped render the Palestinian legislative elections a success to reach a national partnership," Meshaal told a press conference in the Syrian capital Damascus, two days after his group swept the polls.
Background question and answer - Implications of the Palestinian elections
ReliefWeb/Council on Foreign Relations 1/26/2006
Introduction -- Hamas'' surprise victory over Fatah in January 25 legislative elections raises many questions for the future of the Middle East. Experts are still trying to figure out the implications of the unexpected, and unprecedented, event. "This is a very complicating development for everyone involved: Palestinian Authority (PA) President] Abu Mazen [also known as Mahmoud Abbas], Fatah, Israel, the United States, and the Quartet [European Union, United States, United Nations, and Russia]," says Michael Herzog, a brigadier general in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and visiting fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
Israeli Arab MKs: Hamas win will help peace process
Ha''aretz 1/26/2006
Hamas'' victory in the Palestinian elections will contribute to the peace process, Israeli Arab officials said Thursday. "Just as only [Ariel] Sharon was capable of making peace with the Palestinians, only Hamas will make peace with Israel," said MK Abdulmalik Dehamshe (United Arab List), who is associated with the southern faction of the Islamic Movement, in a press statement. "Israel should stop claiming there is no partner for peace. "Dehamshe also met Thursday with Mohammed Abu Tir, who is number two on Hamas'' list, to offer his congratulations on the victory.
Abbas suggests future talks with Israel would be held through PLO
Ha''aretz 1/27/2006
Following Hamas'' sweeping victory in the Palestinian parliamentary elections, Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday evening that he remained committed to negotiations with Israel and that he''ll start immediate consultations to form a new government. "I am committed to implementing the program on which you elected me a year ago," he said in a televised speech. "It is a program based on negotiations and peaceful settlement with Israel. "Abbas also suggested that future negotiations with Israel would be conducted through the Palestine Liberation Organization, a possible bypass to a Hamas-led government.
Netanyahu: ''Hamastan'' has been created before our eyes
Ha''aretz 1/27/2006
Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Thursday evening that a Palestinian Authority led by Hamas is "not a partner" in peace. "If a government led by Hamas or in which Hamas is a coalition partner is established, the Palestinian Authority will be turned into an authority that supports terror. Israel and the world will ignore it and make it irrelevant," Olmert said. The Hamas victory in Wednesday''s election to the Palestinian parliament elicited harsh responses from Israeli politicians in the lead-up to March''s Knesset elections. The right wing attacked Kadima and blamed the party for the Hamas victory while Labor and Meretz are bolstering their calls for unilateral moves.
Bush urges Abbas to remain in office despite Hamas victory
Ha''aretz 1/26/2006
United States President George W. Bush urged Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday to remain in office despite the legislative elections which gave Hamas an absolute majority in parliament. "We''d like him stay in power. I mean we''d like him to stay in office. He is in power. We''d like him to stay in office. "Bush reiterated the U.S. position that it will not deal with Palestinian leaders who do not recognize Israel''s right to exist. "I don''t see how you can be a partner in peace if you advocate the destruction of a country as part of your platform. And I know you know you can''t be a partner in peace if you have - if your party has got an armed wing," Bush told a White House news conference.
Abbas Urges Respect of Result, West Alarmed
Palestine Chronicle 1/26/2006
Initial results showed that Hamas has won an absolute majority of seats in the Palestinian legislative elections. -- RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas said Thursday, January 26, that the results of the legislative elections, won by Hamas, must be respected as Western nations expressed alarm over the group''s victory. Alarmed western nations stressed they would refuse to deal with the Palestinian group unless it disarms and renounces violence. European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said the election results "may confront us with an entirely new situation, which will need to be analyzed by (EU foreign ministers) next Monday. "
Shalom: Hamas win will lead to chaos
YNetNews 1/26/2006
Former foreign minister says Hamas elections victory ''an earthquake,'' adds win ''sets us back 50 years'' -- Hamas'' overwhelming elections victory is "an earthquake that will set us back 50 years and lead the entire region to chaos," former Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said after learning of the surprising Palestinian election results. "The writing was on the wall," Shalom told Ynet" "I warned (Ehud) Olmert in our first meeting after he assumed the post of acting prime minister. For months I attempted to prevent Hamas participation in the elections. We initiated a large-scale diplomatic move and forward the Hamas charter, which calls on Israel''s destruction, to world leaders. "
Haniyya: "Hamas will not disarm"
International Middle East Media Center 1/26/2006
Ismail Haniyya, one of Hamas leaders, said that the movement will not disarm its resistance fighters in spite of the American pressures, and conditions which state that Hamas should either choose their arms or the legislative council. "There is no contradiction between resistance and elections", Haniyya said, "Those who are pressuring us to disarm should pressure that occupation to withdraw from the occupied territories". Haniyya added that the real issue is not with Hamas but with the occupation and the "Zionist mentality which rejects to recognize the Palestinian rights and kills the people.
Japan calls on world to bring Hamas into Mideast peace process
Ha''aretz 1/27/2006
TOKYO - Japan called on Friday for the international community to bring Hamas into the Middle East peace process, following the Islamic militant group''s sweeping victory in Palestinian parliamentary elections. "We must make efforts so that Hamas will adopt a proactive attitude toward the peace process," Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe told reporters. "It is important that Japan and the international community work with both Palestine and Israel so that the peace process based on the roadmap will not be delayed," he said.
Statement on Palestinian elections by Middle East Quartet
ReliefWeb/United Nations Secretary-General 1/26/2006
The following statement was issued today by the Middle East Quartet (United Nations, European Union, Russian Federation, United States): The Quartet consulted today on the Palestinian Legislative Council elections. It congratulates President Abbas and the Palestinian people on an electoral process that was free, fair and secure. The Quartet calls on all parties to respect the results of the election and the outcome of the Palestinian constitutional process so that it may unfold in an atmosphere of calm and security. The Palestinian people have voted for change, but it is the view of the Quartet that their aspirations for peace and statehood, as articulated by President Abbas in his statement following the closing of polls yesterday, remain unchanged.
Statement by Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the CFSP, on the Palestinian elections
ReliefWeb/European Union 1/26/2006
Javier SOLANA, European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), issued the following statement today on the elections to the Palestinian Authority:"The Palestinian people have voted democratically and peacefully. I welcome this. The European Union has supported the smooth running of these elections. We await confirmation of the results. These results may confront us with an entirely new situation which will need to be analysed by the Council next Monday.
Annan congratulates Palestinian people on peaceful and orderly elections
Electronic Intifada/UN News 1/26/2006
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today congratulated Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian people on the peaceful and orderly conduct of their legislative elections. “The Secretary-General views these elections as an important step toward the achievement of a Palestinian State,” a UN spokesman said in a statement. “He looks forward to the publication of the results of the elections over the coming days and to discussing them with the Quartet. ”
Analysis: Hamas victory one of most important events in Middle East since Six Day War
Ha''aretz 1/27/2006
[A Zionist perspective - Ed. ] Hamas'' victory in the Palestinian elections is one of the most important events in the history of the Middle East since the Six Day War. Not only does it change the picture, but also it puts it into a completely different frame. Palestine under Hamas rule puts an end not only to the road map and the Oslo process, but also to the formula embodied by UN Resolution 242: "land for peace" and an accompanying end to the conflict. Not only does it perpetuate the conflict, but also it reshapes it - from an Israeli-Palestinian conflict to a Jewish-Arab one, and even a Western-Muslim one. Such a conflict, backed by the global Jihad movement and Khomeinist Iran, has neither a solution nor an end.
Hamas Reiterates Stand on ''No Taboo'' Israel Talks
Palestine Chronicle/Islam Online 1/25/2006
GAZA CITY - The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has reiterated that it was ready to hold “indirect” talks with Israel through a third party after the parliamentary elections slated for Wednesday, January 25. "Negotiations are a means. If Israel has anything to offer on the issues of halting attacks, withdrawal, releasing prisoners... then 1,000 means can be found," Reuters quoted senior Hamas leader Mahmoud Al-Zahar as telling reporters Monday, January 23. As an example, he cited contacts the Lebanese resistance group Hezbollah held with Israel, via German mediators, for the release of Lebanese held in Israeli jails.
Carter: U.S. won''t work with Hamas unless it changes
Ha''aretz 1/25/2006
Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, who is leading a team of international observers for the Palestinian parliamentary election today, said yesterday that if Hamas wants to win international recognition after the elections, it will have to become more moderate. Carter said at the Herzliya Conference yesterday that Hamas'' electoral success "may or may not lead to their assuming more moderate and peaceful policies," but added: "This they must do. " Carter stated that Palestinians must stop terror groups, "even including a direct military confrontation. "
President Abbas Urges International Community to Help in Resuming Negotiations with Israel
WAFA 1/25/2006
RAMALLAH, January 25, 2006 (WAFA)- President Mahmoud Abbas urged the international community to | |
