Hamas braces for delay of Palestinian elections
Hamas is considering its next moves ahead of the expected announcement of the postponement of the Palestinian legislative elections.
Hours before the start of the campaign process for the legislative elections April 30, there are increased reports claiming that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas would announce the postponement of the elections scheduled for May 22, as Israel refuses to allow ballots in Jerusalem — although Israel did not officially announce this. The reports have raised the ire of Palestinian factions, especially Hamas.
Ahmed Majdalani, a member of the PLO’s Executive Committee, said in a local radio interview April 28 that the elections will be postponed if Jerusalemites do not take part in them since holding them without Jerusalem is unacceptable.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Palestinian factions are preparing for a meeting in Ramallah April 29, during which Abbas is expected to announce the indefinite postponement of the elections.
European Union representative to the Palestinians Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff revealed after a meeting with Abbas April 28 that he is deploying efforts with Israel to hold the elections in Jerusalem.
