PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) announced on Friday that elections for a PA (Palestinian Authority) president and parliament will be held on January 24, 2010. The so-called presidential order states the election for the new PA leaders will be held throughout Yehuda, Shomron, Gaza and eastern Jerusalem.

Tensions between Abu Mazen’s Fatah faction and Hamas controlled Gaza are not under control and Hamas is signaling it may hold its own independent elections on the same day. Hamas leaders insist Abu Mazen does not have the authority to unilaterally make such a declaration, accusing the PA leader of giving in to American pressure and interests, announcing he is guilty of treason.

The Arab media reports tensions between Egypt and Hamas have reached an unprecedented level, with Hamas politburo leader Damascus-based Khaled Meshal making a secret visit to Iran and Qatar. It is reported that Meshal was instructed to reject efforts to bridge the gap between Hamas and Fatah ahead of the election.

The London-based Arabic al-Shark al-Awsat reports Cairo sent a message that is a Hamas delegation plans to visit but is not planning to sign and agreement, then the delegation would be wise to remain at home.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)