The Palestinian Basic Law

- Time to throw Abbas

tonje — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:11:59 +0000

Efraim Halevy, former chief of the Israeli intelligence services, has said to Israel’s Army Radio that the Palestinian Authority is “useless and nothing but students of Israel and the US. Halevy further said tit is time to overthrow the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Halevy reportedly said that Israel has begun opening lines of communication to Hamas.

Read: Maan News, “Mossad chief: Time to overthrow Abbas”, 6 January 2010, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=252096

Meshaal: “Final stages” of reconciliation

tonje — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:42:54 +0000

According to Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, Fatah and Hamas have made significant steps towards reconciliation.

Read: Maan News, “Mash’al: Hamas in ‘final stages’ of reconcilliation with Fatah”, 3 January 2010,http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=251615

- Fatah turns down deal

tonje — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 07:56:22 +0000

According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Arab diplomatic sources say that Fatah has turned down a reconciliation proposal by Hamas. Reportedly, Hamas had planned for the agreement to be signed in Damascus in an effort to undermine the status of Egypt.

Read: Haaretz, “Sources: Fatah turns down Hamas reconciliation proposal”, 3 January 2010, http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1139431.html

“PLC bombing ‘carried out unlawfully and wantonly’”

tonje — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 07:41:09 +0000

The December 2008 bombing of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) is the topic of part five of Maan News’ series recounting the findings of South African jurist Richard Goldstone’s UN Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict.

Read: Maan News, “PLC bombing ‘carried out unlawfully and wantonly’”, 31 December 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=251034

Haniyeh to expand de facto cabinet

tonje — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:21:48 +0000

De facto Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza plans to appoint more ministers to the de facto cabinet. The intention is to ease the workload of ministers who are responsible for more than one portfolio.

Read: Maan News, “Haniyeh plans to enlarge government”, 29 December 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=250567

PLO extends term for president and PLC

tonje — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:42:51 +0000

The Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) has decided that President Mahmoud Abbas will stay on after the expiration of his term on 25 January 2010. PLO has also extended the term of the dysfunctional Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC).

Read: Alertnet, “PLO keeps Abbas as Palestinian president-officials”, 16 December 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE5BF18W.htm

Read: Alertnet, “PLO meets, to extend Abbas’ term as president”, 15 December 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE5BE075.htm

Majority supports decision not to run

tonje — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:14:07 +0000

A majority of Palestinians support President Mahmoud Abbas not to run in future Palestinian elections. This is one of the main findings in a poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey 10-12 December 2009.

Download entire analysis: Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey, Poll no 34, 10-12 December 2009, http://www.pcpsr.org/survey/polls/2009/p34e.pdf

Emilio Dabed: Decrypting The Palestinian Political Crisis: Chile 1970-73, Palestine 2006-09

tonje — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:07:34 +0000

Emilio Dabed compares the political crisis in Palestine to the Chilean political crisis in early 19702. Dabed aims to show that “the Fatah-Hamas conflict does not represent a novelty but, rather, the application of an old strategy against a new enemy. It should help us to decrypt the internal dynamic of division and fighting that reins today in the Palestinian political landscape…”

Read: Emilio Dabed, “Decrypting The Palestinian Political Crisis: Chile 1970-73, Palestine 2006-09″, Countercurrents, 11 December 2009, http://www.countercurrents.org/dabed111209.htm

Abbas to stay until next vote

tonje — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:33:05 +0000

President Mahmoud Abbas states that he will stay on as President until new elections are held, but repeats that he will not stand for reelection. Elections were originally slated for 24 January, but are postponed until an agreement with Hamas can be reached.

Read: Alertnet, “Abbas says to stay on until next Palestinian vote”, 25 November 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N25368707.htm

Abbas confirms postponed elections

tonje — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:43:17 +0000

President Mahmoud Abbas confirms that he has accepted advice not to hold Palestinian elections as scheduled for January 2010. Abbas states that measures will be taken to avoid a constitutional vacuum, but has not outlined any specifics. Abbas’ term expires on 25 January 2010.

Read: Alertnet, “Abbas confirms Palestinian vote to be postponed”, 20 November 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LK50210.htm

Reasons to doubt Abbas’ withdrawal

tonje — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:22:22 +0000

“Speculation abounds as to the seriousness with which Abbas has declared his intention not to run for the Palestinian presidency, and so it should”, writes Hassan Nafaa in an OpEd in Al Ahram weekly.

Read: Hassan Nafaa, “Is he really bowing out?”, 12 – 18 November 2009, Issue No. 972, http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2009/972/op5.htm.

CEC “cannot” hold elections

tonje — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:07:32 +0000

The Palestinian Central Elections Commission finds that it ”cannot” hold nationwide elections on 25 January 2010.

Read full statement here: http://www.elections.ps/template.aspx?id=500

Nathan J. Brown: “After Abu Mazin? Letting the Scales Fall From Our Eyes”

tonje — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:52:23 +0000

Nathan J. Brown, Senior Associate at the Carnegie Endowment’s Middle East programme, argues the US administration should focus less on personalities and more on building a viable Palestinian Authority.

Read: Nathan J. Brown, “After Abu Mazin? Letting the Scales Fall From Our Eyes”, web commentary, Carnegie Endowment, 1o November 2009, http://www.carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=24131

Alertnet Q&A: Does Abbas really intend to step aside?

tonje — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:15:04 +0000

President Mahmoud Abbas has stated that he does not intend to stand for elections that are scheduled to be held on 25 January 2010. Is he serious?

Read: Alertnet, “Q&A Does Abbas really intend to step aside?”, 6 November 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L6706921.htm

Abbas offers to quit

tonje — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:29:18 +0000

President Mahmoud Abbas announces that he does not wish to stand for presidential elections on 25 January.

Read: Alertnet, “Abbas offers to quit over stalled peace process”, 5 November 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L5272732.htm

Read: Alertnet, “TEXT-Highlights from Abbas’ speech”, 5 November 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L5592456.htm

Read: Alertnet, “FACT BOX-Facts about Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas”, 5 November 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L556567.htm

PCHR: Elections constitutional, but inappropriate and impossble without reconciliation

tonje — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:49:34 +0000

In a position paper, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights argues that while the presidential call for elections is constituionally sound, elections cannot be held without a reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas.

Read: ”Reconciliation Is a Prerequisite for Elections; Presidential Decree is Constitutionally Sound, But Inappropriate and Impossible without Reconciliation”, Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, Position paper, 25 October 2009, http://www.pchrgaza.org/Interventions/25-10-09.html

Fatah supports Egyptian proposal to delay elections

tonje — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:04:02 +0000

Fatah has accepted an Egyptian proposal to end the rift witht Hamas. The propsal would delay presidential and parliamentary elections due in January. The preliminary election date is 25 January 2010, but it remains unclear how elections can take place with the population split in two territories run by rival administrations that do not recognise one another.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Abbas’s Fatah backs Egypt election delay proposal, ” 14 September 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LE587994.htm

WB: Fatah sacks Hamas mayor

tonje — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:12:22 +0000

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s government has sacked the mayor of Qalqilya, Wajih Qawas, and his 15-member council. The reason was alleged financial mismanagement by the council. Qawas has been replaced by a Fatah loyalist until new local elections can be held. While West Bank financial minister Khaled Qawasmeh charges the town’s debt has more than quadrupled since Qawas was elected in 2005, Qawas himself argues that he was sacked for political reasons.

Hamas has controlled about 60 Palestinian local authorities in the West Bank, since a municipal elections in 2005.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Abbas sacks Hamas mayor in West Bank, citing debt”, 12 September 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LC348036.htm

Nathan J. Brown: Widening gap may vitiate diplomatic breakthrough

tonje — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 06:30:27 +0000

«When Hamas and Fatah fought their brief but bitter civil war in June 2007, the outcome was short of Solomonic: the object of contention, the Palestinian Authority, was actually split in two. The grim reality is that the Palestinians now have two political systems that are lurching farther away from each other, and neither one seems to have a viable strategy for realizing its vision or building a better future for the people it purports to lead.» Nahan J. Brown comments on the growing division between Gaza and Ramallah.

Read: Nathan J. Brown, “The Schism Deepens”, Web Commentary, Carnegie Endowment, August 2009,
http://www.carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=23668&prog=zgp&proj=zme

Abbas to call elections if negotiations fail

tonje — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:32:48 +0000

In a speech at the first meetiing of the Palestinian National Council (PNC) in 13 years, President Mahmoud Abbas said that he would press ahead with parliamentary and presidential elections in January 2010 if reconciliation efforts with Hamas fail.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Abbas to call election if talks with Hamas fail”, 26 August 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LQ114531.htm.

Results of Fatah Central Committee elections

tonje — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:49:00 +0000

Fatah has elected a new Central Committee. Here are the names.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “FACTBOX-Final results of Fatah Central Committee vote”, 12 August 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LC73906.htm

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “PENPIX-Influential figures in new leading Fatah body”, 11 August 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LB698962.htm

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Vote count for Fatah parliament set to begin”, 12 August 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LC394054.htm

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Fatah boosts Abbas as “old guard” voted out”, 11 August 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LB557598.htm

Phone voting from Gaza delays voting process

tonje — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:06:49 +0000

About 300 delegates to the Fatah convention has been refused to leave Gaza by Hamas rulers. Instead, the delegates are voting by phone for 18 seats on the executive body, the Central Committee, and 80 on the assembly, or Revolutionary Council.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Slow Gaza voting delays Fatah leadership ballot”, 10 August 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LA407182.htm

Abbas endorsed as Fatah leader

tonje — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:16:32 +0000

Mahmoud Abbas is endorsed as Fatah’s continued party leader. Abbas received the approval in a show of hands from the vast majority of 2 300 delegates participating in Fatah’s first congress for 20 years.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Fatah endorses Abbas as party leader”, 8 August 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L8635166.htm

Q&A: Fatah’s party congress

tonje — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:24:46 +0000

President Mahmoud Abbas will chair the Fatah Congress beginning on Tuesday in Bethlehem. Reuters Alertnet have compiled some questions and answers about Fatah.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Q&A: Abbas’s Fatah holds long-awaited congress”, 3 August 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L3650970.htm.

Fatah spites Hamas ban

tonje — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 17:50:11 +0000

On 4 August the Fatah party congress is set to begin in Bethlehem in the West Bank. Hamas has conditioned the departure of some 400 Fatah members from Gaza on Abbas’s forces freeing hundreds of Hamas activists seized in West Bank round-ups.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Fatah to hold congress despite Hamas ban”, 1 August 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L1340182.htm

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Hamas threatens to boycott unity talks with Fatah”, 31 July 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LV162873.htm

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Fatah-Hamas tensions rise over West Bank congress”, 29 July 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LT404047.htm

U.S. announces $200 million in aid

tonje — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:13:09 +0000

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has announced $200 million in U.S. aid to the Palestinians. The money, which is part of a $900 million pledge she made in March at a donors conference in Egypt, was transferred directly to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority and would help it meet a budget shortfall.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “U.S. announces $200 million in aid to Palestinians”, 24 July 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N24466025.htm

Natan J. Brown on the practical consequences of ignoring the Basic Law

tonje — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:25:36 +0000

“The split between the two halves of the Palestinian Authority has steadily eroded the legitimacy of the Ramallah government. Any policy based on the hope that Abbas and Fayyad will increasingly be able to show themselves to be viable Palestinian leaders ignores the trends to date.” Nathan J. Brown discusses remaining options for American diplomacy.

Read: Nathan J. Brown, “The Green Elephant in the Room: Dealing with the Hamas Party-State in Gaza”, Web Commentary, Carnegie Endowment, June 2009, http://www.carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=23225&prog=zgp&proj=zme

Fatah conference to be held in Bethlehem

tonje — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:45:49 +0000

After 37 rounds of talks Fatah leaders have agreed to hold the Revolutionary Council meeting to be held on 4 August in Bethlehem. It will be the first Fatah leadership meeting in twenty years.

Read: Maan News, “Landmark Fatah leadership conference set for 4 August in Bethlehem”, 26 June 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=211469

Dweik speaks of unity in first interview

tonje — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:35:02 +0000

After his release from Israeli prison, speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Aziz Dweik, speaks of unity in an exclusive interview with Maan News.

Read: Maan News, “Hamas’ Dweik has “message of unity” in first interview since release from Israeli detention”, 24 June 2009 http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=211462

De facto Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza refers to the release as a “victory”.

Read: Maan News, “Haniyeh hails Dweik’s release a “triumph”, 24 June 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=211453

PCHR slams “unnecessary” regulations

tonje — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:59:33 +0000

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights has reviewed a number of regulations and decrees issued by the de facto cabinet in Gaza and President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank.

Read: “PCHR has Reservations about Regulations Adopted in the Context of Ongoing Political Fragmentation”, Position paper, 23 June 2009, http://www.pchrgaza.org/Interventions/23-6-09.html

PLC speaker released from prison

tonje — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:40:24 +0000

Aziz Dweik, speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) has been released from custody after more three years in prison. PLC member Jamal Hweil was also released. While was arrested in 2002 and was elected to the PLC while still in detention.

Read: Maan News, “PLC Speaker Aziz Dweik freed from Israeli prison; Calls for unity”, 23 June 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=211431

Read: Maan News, “Second PLC member released after seven years in Israeli detention”, 23 June 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=211443

Egypt preparing final unity draft

tonje — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:49:18 +0000

Egypt is working on a final draft of a power-sharing agreement between Hamas and Fatah, reports the London-based Al-Hayat daily newspaper. The draft reportedly includes arrangements for the period following of the agreement which is supposed to be signed by 7 July.

Read: Maan News, “Report: Egypt preparing final Hamas-Fatah deal”, 17 June 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=211301

Qalqiliya clashes top PLC agenda

tonje — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:15:40 +0000

The Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) has held its first session since the Israeli war on Gaza in December. The members discussed the latest Hamas-Fatah clashes in Qalqiliya and demanded the Fatah PLC bloc take a stand on the violence.

Read: Maan News, “Qalqiliya clashes top agenda of first PLC session in post-war Gaza”, 12 June 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=211192

- Hamas ready to negotiate government

tonje — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:46:32 +0000

Hamas hopes the Egyptian-brokered talks set for 7 July will be successful, said party leader-in exile Khalid Meshaal following a rare meeting with Egyptian officials on Tuesday. Meshaal states that the current “Fayyad-led government is illegal,” and a new body that is representative of the Palestinian people “based on the Palestinian Legislative Council” must be formed so it can “prepare for the coming elections.”

Read: Maan News, “Mash’al: Hamas ready to talk to replace ‘illegal’ government”, 9 June 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=211129

Denies that Abbas ordered talks to fail

tonje — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:44:16 +0000

Senior Fatah official Ibrahim Abu An-Naja denies media reports suggesting that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas might have intentionally thwarted unity talks with the rival Hamas movement. The statements were published in the London-based Al-Hayat and quoted a Hamas official.

Read: Maan News, “Fatah official denies reports Abbas ordered dialogue to fail”, 5 June 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=211036

- Deal with PA security forces as with Israeli soldiers

tonje — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:18:52 +0000

A spokesman for Hamas’ armed wing has stated that PA security forces in the West Bank will be dealt with as occupying forces. The statement came as a response to a standoff between the PA and Hamas in Qalqilya, that ended with three people dead. Earlier, a Palestinian Authority (PA) security officer was killed by a grenade thrown by the Hamas men, who were holed up in a building in the vicinity of the local Bank of Palestine branch.

Read: Maan News, “Hamas vows to fight PA security forces as if they were Israelis”, 4 June 2009,http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=211007

In Ramallah, three Hamas men have been sentenced to jail for among others, incitement towards the PA.

Read: Maan News, “PA military court sentences Hamas men to three years”, 4 June 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=211009

Symposium on Palestinian disunity

tonje — Sun, 31 May 2009 00:27:19 +0000

About two hundred Arab writers, journalists, analysts, poets, academics, and politicians partook in the panel of an online symposium arranged by the Paris-based Euro-Arab Center for Studies. The topic was the Palestinian split and why reconciliation efforts have so far not succeeded.

Read: Maan News, “Why have the Palestinian unity talks failed?”, 31 May 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210922

Fatah rejects joint control of Rafah crossing

tonje — Sat, 30 May 2009 21:50:00 +0000

Senior Fatah leader Ibrahim Abu An-Naja asserts that Fatah has refused a Hamas suggestion to limited the role of joint security forces to the Rafah crossing. According to An-Naja, the original proposal had been to form a joint Palestinian security force encompassing members from all factions, including Hamas, to take charge of all security tasks in the Gaza Strip.

Read: Maan News, “Fatah rejects joint control over only Rafah crossing”, 30 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210890&MARK=Fatah

Committee urges cancellation of death sentences

tonje — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:34:16 +0000

A reconciliation committee of Palestinian factions urges Hamas to cancel the death sentences against three Palestinian. The Palestinians were sentenced in a Hamas military court. In a letter, the committee expresses concern that the sentences were related to the Hamas-Fatah rivalry and should be addressed through the conciliation committee appointed during Hamas Fatah talks in Cairo.

According to the Palestinian Basic Law, death sentences are to be approved by the president, but according to Hamas, Mahmoud Abbas’ tenure ended on 8 January 2009.

Read: Maan News, “Reconciliation committee urges Hamas to cancel death sentences”, 27 May 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210825&MARK=Fatah

Read: Maan News, “De facto gov.: Executions pending approval by committee”, 25 May 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210779&MARK=Fatah

Hamas rejected joint Gaza force

tonje — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:47:36 +0000

Hamas confirms that it has rejected an Egyptian proposal for a joint Gaza security force with Fatah. The joint force was to administer the Rafah crossing. Reform of the security forces is a major issue in the stalled negotiations.

Read: Maan News, “Hamas rejects joint Gaza force, urges further Fatah talks”, 27 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210832&MARK=Fatah

Read: Maan News, “PA intelligence chief: Hamas rejected joint Gaza force”, 19 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210640&MARK=Fatah

Abbas apppoints new governor

tonje — Mon, 25 May 2009 21:22:50 +0000

President Mahmoud Abbas has issued two decrees appointing Abed Al-Fatah Hamail to governor of Bethlehem and Salah Al-Tamari as presidential adviser on settlements and the wall.

Read: Maan News, “Abbas appoints new Bethlehem governor, adds advisor”, 25 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210782&MARK=Fatah

Fatah official announces sixth conference

tonje — Sat, 23 May 2009 21:27:15 +0000

According to Hussein Ash-Sheikh, head of the Palestinian Civil Affairs department, technical committess are preparing Fatah’s awaited sixth general conference. The conference is set for the beginning of July.

Read: Maan News, “Fatah official: Sixth Conference to be held in Bethlehem in July”, 23 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210748&MARK=Fatah

France will work with new government

tonje — Thu, 21 May 2009 21:13:46 +0000

The French government has issued a statement welcoming the new Palestinian government formed by President Mahmoud Abbas.

Read: Maan News, “France pledges support for new PA government”, 21 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210678&MARK=Fatah

Abbas rejects postponement of elections

tonje — Thu, 21 May 2009 21:08:09 +0000

President Mahmoud Abbas has rejected a behind the scenes proposal to extend the term of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) and the president. Parliamentary and presidential elections are due in January 2010.

Read: Maan News, “Abbas rejects extension of PLC, presidential terms”, 21 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210699&MARK=Fatah

Abbas swears in new cabinet amidst protests

tonje — Thu, 21 May 2009 18:26:13 +0000

President Mahmoud Abbas has sworn in a new cabinet against objections from both Hamas and his own Fatah party. Salam Fayyad was reappointed prime minister in spite of demands from Fatah to appoint someone from their own ranks. Fayyad himself claims that the government is only “temporary”.

Read: Maan News, “Senior PLO official denounces new Palestinian government”, 21 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210702&MARK=Fatah

Read: Maan News, “Three Palestinian labor unions oppose new Fayyad-led government”, 20 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210652&MARK=Fatah

Read: Maan News, “Fayyad: New government ‘temporary’”, 20 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210666&MARK=Fatah

Read: Maan News, “Hamas, Fatah object as Abbas swears in new cabinet”, 19 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210643&MARK=Basic%20Law

Read: Maan News, “New Fayyad-led government may be announced Tuesday”, 19 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210630&MARK=Fatah

Read: Maan News, “Fayyad defends plan for new government”, 14 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210498&MARK=Fatah

Read: Maan News, “Fatah demands Abbas pick new PM for government; Fayyad postpones issue”, 13 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210498&MARK=Fatah

-Committees to solve unity issues

tonje — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:51:33 +0000

According to leading Fatah figure Ibrahim Abdul Naja, Egypt will set up a schedule for five committees on each of the unresolved issues in the negotiations between Fatah and Hamas. An agreement is to be announced by Egypt on 5 July.

Read: Maan News, “Fatah in Gaza: No more unity talks; Egypt to set up five committees to solve problems”, 20 May 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210672&MARK=Fatah

Ar-Rub appointed chairman of Security Academy

tonje — Wed, 20 May 2009 00:07:29 +0000

By presidential decree, Nur Addin Abu Ar-Rub is appointed chairman of the Palestinian Academy for Security Sciences in Jericho, effective from 1 June.

Read: Maan News, “Abbas appoints chair of Security Academy”, 20 May 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210658

Visit the Academy’s website: http://www.pass.ps/site/index.php?lang=en

Analysis on new gvt: Why now?

tonje — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:24:50 +0000

Who are the members of the new cabinet, and why were they appointed just now?

Read: Maan News, “Why now? Analysts weigh in on the new government”, 19 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210647&MARK=Fatah

Read: Maan News, “Who are the members of the new Palestinian government?”, 19 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210648&MARK=Fatah

Fith round of talks ends without deal

tonje — Mon, 18 May 2009 19:26:29 +0000

The fifth round of Fatah-Hamas dialogue in Cairo ended without a reconciliation deal between the parties.

Read: Maan News, “Fatah, Hamas end talks without deal”, 18 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210611&MARK=Fatah

Read: Maan News, “Hamas leader: Disagreement within Fatah harms our movement”, 18 May 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210608&MARK=Fatah

Egypt vows to save deal

tonje — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:08:51 +0000

With unity negotiations seemingly on the verge of collapse, Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Sulaiman, the official in charge of the talks, said that an agreement must be signed by the beginning of July.

Read: Maan News, “Egypt vows to save Fatah-Hamas deal, ‘whether they like it or not’”, 17 May 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210586&MARK=Fatah

Read: Maan News, “Egypt to Hamas and Fatah: Rafah will open if you unite”, 17 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210602&MARK=Fatah

Fifth round of reconciliation talks

tonje — Sat, 16 May 2009 18:52:16 +0000

Hamas and Fatah delegation are travelling to Cairo this weekend in yet another attempt to overcome the remaining obstacles preventing governmental unity between the West Bank and Gaza. The delegations are tasked with finding a solution to the remaining government, elections system and the security apparatus files.

Read: Maan News, “Fifth round of Cairo dialogue underway; parties approach with caution”, 16 May 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210580&MARK=Fatah

Read: Maan News, “DFLP says Cairo unity talks postponed indefinitely”, 16 May 2009
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210582&MARK=Fatah

Read: Maan News, “Amid political uncertainty Hamas and Fatah travel to Cairo for fifth round of talks”, 15 May 2009,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210543&MARK=Fatah

Fatah rejects Fayyad

tonje — Tue, 12 May 2009 22:43:36 +0000

The Fatah parliamentarian bloc of the defunct Palestinian Legislative Council argues that if a government of all factions is formed it is better to have the prime minister from the biggest of PLO factions which is Fatah. According to Maan News, Mahmoud Abbas has postponed the planned swearing in of a new cabinet to be headed by independent Salam Fayyad, who resigned as prime minister in March.

Read: Maan News, “Fatah demands Abbas pick new PM for government; Fayyad postpones issue,” 13 May 2009, http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=37774.

Hamas lawmakers reject new cabinet

tonje — Tue, 12 May 2009 22:39:06 +0000

The Hamas-affiliated Change and Reform Bloc of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) held a special session on Wednesday attended by Deputy PLC Speaker Ahmad Bahar and de facto Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh. The lawmakers denounced plan to form a new government, reappointing Salam Fayyad as the caretaker prime minister based in Ramallah.

Read: Maan News, “Hamas lawmakers denounce Abbas’ proposed new cabinet,” 13 May 2009, http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=37795

Names of ministers released

tonje — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:48:36 +0000

Fatah has published what it said was the final list of ministers in a new Palestinian government which is expected to be sworn in later on Tuesday, according to Maan News.

Read: Maan News, “Fatah releases names of new cabinet ministers,” 12 May 2009, http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=37758.

Abbas to swear in new cabinet

tonje — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:04:29 +0000

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas plans to swear in a new cabinet to be headed by Salam Fayyad.

Read: Alertnet, “Abbas to swear in new cabinet despite talks with Hamas,” 11 May 2009,
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LB490596.htm.

A cabinet outside the national unity framework

tonje — Wed, 06 May 2009 23:06:53 +0000

A new Palestinian government may be formed outside the framework of unity talks. The consequences are commented on in Al Ahram Weekly.

Read: Khaled Amayreh, “Cronyism all the way, Al Ahram Weekly,” 7-13 May 2009, http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2009/946/re1.htm.

Abbas demands voting right for supports at Fatah conference

tonje — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:58:09 +0000

Sharp differences and disagreements among Fatah’s competing camps continue to impede the convening of Fatah’s sixth general conference, Saleh Al-Naami comments in Al Ahram Weekly. The preparatory committee has been trying for months to determine membership criteria, namely who will be qualified to participate. Every camp is trying to nominate as many of its supporters as possible for conference membership, including the Office of PA President Mahmoud Abbas.

Read: Saleh Al-Naami, “Will Abbas do it?” Al Ahram Weekly, 7-13 May 2009, http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2009/946/re2.htm

PLC speaker’s sentence extended

tonje — Mon, 04 May 2009 23:45:28 +0000

An Israeli military court has announced longer prison terms for three Hamas members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). In addition, time has been added to the sentence of the PLC Speaker, Aziz Dweik.

Read: Maan News, “Israel continues illegal sentences of Hamas PLC members; extends three terms”, 5 May 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210319

-New gvt will also rule Gaza

tonje — Fri, 01 May 2009 23:38:17 +0000

Faisal Abu Shala, Fatah-affiliated member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), states that the new government to be formed by President Mahmoud Abbas, will be responsible for both the West Bank and Gaza.

Read: Maan News, “Fatah official: Abbas’ new government will also rule Gaza”, 2 May 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210262

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) criticizes Abbas’ decision to form a new government that is not based on a national unity deal.

Read: Maan News, “PFLP objects to forming government without agreement”, 2 May 2009, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=210261

AMAN proposes new rules to manage the Palestine Investment Fund

tonje — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:14:24 +0000

The Coalition for Accountability and Integrity (AMAN) has proposed new rules to govern the fund that manages Palestinian public investments, Palestine Investment Fund (PIF). After Hamas’ electoral victory in 2006, President Mahmoud Abbas decided to cut PIF’s ties to the government. Some now argue that this dependence from the government raises questions about accountability and the potential for conflicts.Read: Alertnet, “EXCLUSIVE-Debate over control of Palestinian investment fund,” 28 April 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LQ581028.htm

Read: Alertnet “FACTBOX-Proposed changes at Palestinian investment fund,” 28 April 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LR362896.htm

Further expansion for Abbas’ forces

tonje — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:50:49 +0000

Pending U.S. Congress approval of funding requested by president Barack Obama, the United States plans to expand a programme to bolster Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s security forces in the occupied West Bank.According to plan, at least three more battalions, consisting of 500 members each, are to be trained before this time next year. Some 1,600 members of Abbas’s National Security Force and Presidential Guard have undergone U.S.-funded training since January 2008. Many of them have been deployed in major West Bank cities, including Jenin, Nablus, Bethlehem and parts of Hebron.

Read: Alertnet, US plans to expand programme for Abbas’s forces 27 April 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LR571304.htm.

PCHR launches 2008 Annual Report

tonje — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:27:27 +0000

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights in Gaza has launched its Annual Report for 2008. Among the topics adressed is the division in the Palestinian political system, which has been reflected in the continued operation of two governments and separate police and security forced in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The division has also continued in the legislature.

Download: Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, Annual Report for 2008, Gaza, 2009, http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/Reports/English/pdf_annual/annual_reports08.html.

Mobile deal to strengthen Abbas

tonje — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:03:35 +0000

U.S. aid in the form of loan guarantees meant for Palestinian farmers and other small to mid-sized businesses has been given to a mobile phone firm backed by President Mahmoud Abbas and Gulf investors. Helping Wataniya is seen as an effort to support Abbas as a bulwark against Hamas Islamists in Gaza.

Read: Alertnet, “EXCLUSIVE-US aid goes to Abbas-backed Palestinian phone venture,” 24 April 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L1783372.htm.

Conditions on Hamas government participation

tonje — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:34:54 +0000

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says that the U.S. will not deal with or fund any Palestinian government that includes Hamas unless Hamas renounces violence, recognizes Israel and agrees to follow the previous obligations of the Palestinian Authority.

Read: Alertnet, “Clinton sets conditions on Palestinian govt with Hamas,” 22 April 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N22304704.htm.

AMAN launches Corruption Report 2008

tonje — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:44:42 +0000

The Coalition for Accountability and Integrity (AMAN) finds that Wasta and nepotism are the two main forms of corruption prevailing in Palestine. In their “Annual Corruption Report 2008″, however, AMAN also pointes out that the absence of an efficient Palestinian Legislative Council has halted the process of ratifying a number of draft laws aimed at combatting corruption.

Download: “Annual Corruption Report 2008,” Coalition for Accountability and Integrity (AMAN), Ramallah, April 2009, http://www.aman-palestine.org/Documents/Publication/CorruptionReport08.pdf

Read: Alertnet, “Watchdog group cites corruption in Palestinian areas,” 22 April 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LM647168.htm

HRW blasts Hamas for political violence

tonje — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:57:53 +0000

Internal violence continues in Gaza, and 14 killings have been reported between January 18 and March 31, 2009 . Despite promises to investigate unlawful killings and other abuses, Hamas authorities have reportedly only investigated one alleged killing by members of their security forces or armed wing. Hamas security forces have also used violence against known Fatah members. These practices are in breach of the Palestinian Basic Law.

Read: Alertnet, “Human Rights Watch accuses Hamas of Gaza killings,” 20 April 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LJ352044.htm

Download: “Under Cover of War: Hamas political violence in Gaza,” Human Rights Watch, New York, April 2009, http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/iopt0409webwcover.pdf

Egyptian proposal for cooperation on reconstruction

tonje — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:26:18 +0000

Egypt launches a proposal to establish a Fatah-Hamas committee answerable to the West bank based government of President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to oversee reconstruction in Gaza, while the Hamas administration in Gaza provides the headquarters and logistics. Fatah welcomes the proposal, but Hamas says it would give legitimacy to Fayyad’s government.

Read: Alertnet, “Egypt offers Palestinian rivals new unity ideas,” 10 April 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LA338281.htm.

New round of unity talks in Cairo

tonje — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:43:51 +0000

Rival Palestinian groups Hamas and Fatah have began a third round of reconciliation talks on Wednesday in Cairo. The aim is to forge a possible unity government. A major sticking point is whether the new government would be committed to peace deals signed between Israel and the PLO.

Read: Alertnet, “New round of Palestinian unity talks starts in Cairo,” 1 April 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L1324013.htm.

Fayyad stays on for now

tonje — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:01:04 +0000

Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has submitted his resignation to President Mahmoud Abbas, but will stay on until a new government is formed.

Read: Alertnet, “Palestinian PM Fayyad stays on for now – officials,” 3o March 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LU455926.htm.

Government warns EU against easing boycott

tonje — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:09:17 +0000

Mahmoud Abbas’s Western-backed government in Ramallah has warned European states against easing a boycott of Hamas. Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki argues that overtures could undermine the unity talks by giving Hamas the impression that “the international community, and especially the European Union, is ready to change its position towards Hamas”, whether the group agrees to abide by interim agreements or not.

Read: Alertnet, “Abbas’s government urges Europe to shun Hamas,” 23 March 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LN460043.htm.

Hamas and Fatah criticized in new report

tonje — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:18:13 +0000

Security forces controlled by Hamas in the Gaza Strip and those loyal to the Fatah faction in the West Bank routinely carry out politically motivated arrests, a Palestinian rights group said on Thursday.

Read: Alertnet, “Palestinian rights group criticises Hamas and Fatah,” 19 March 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LJ170041.htm.

Download: “The Status of Human Rights in the Palestinian-Controlled Territory: Fourteenth Annual Report, Executive Summary, 1 January– 31 December 2008,” Independent Commission for Human Rights, Ramallah 2009, http://www.ichr.ps/pdfs/ear14.pdf.

- Elections by January 2010

tonje — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:17:50 +0000

Rival Palestinian groups have agreed to hold presidential and legislative elections by January 2010. There are, however, disagreements as to what kind of government would prepare for the polls. The groups also disagree on an electoral law and whether it would be based on proportional representation or constituencies.

Read: Alertnet, “Palestinian groups agree to hold elections by January,” 15 March 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LF200268.htm.

Read: Alertnet, “Palestinian groups deadlocked over unity government ,” 15 March 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LF93014.htm.

EU to pledge 436 million euros

tonje — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:52:36 +0000

The European Union executive will pledge 436 million euros to help post-conflict recovery in Gaza and economic reform. Some of the funds will be allocated to reform the Ramallah based Palestinian Authority.

Read: Alertnet, “EU to pledge 436 million euros for Palestinians,” 27 February 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LR883181.htm.

Solana supports unity talks

tonje — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:46:05 +0000

EU’s top diplomat, Javier Solana, has visited the Gaza Strip. While Solana maintained the EU policy of avoiding contacts or meetings with Hamas rulers, he voiced support for efforts to end the standoff between Fatah and Hamas.

Read: Alertnet, “EU’s Solana says supports Palestinian unity talks,” 27 February 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LR534283.htm

Shalit-deal may bring down Abbas

tonje — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:51:13 +0000

According to Palestinian officials, a deal over the captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit would trigger early elections in the territories, in which case Hamas might win both legislative and presidential elections.

Read: Haaretz, “ANALYSIS / Fatah fears Shalit deal will bring down Abbas,” 9 February 2009, http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1062612.html.

Fayyad proposes aid route

tonje — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 09:57:40 +0000

Palestinian caretaker Prime Minister Salam Fayayd in Ramallh has proposed that donors transfer aid to gaza through Palestinian commercial banks of via the Palestinian Authority. The United States and its allies want credit for reconstruction to fall to Abbas’s Palestinian Authority, and not to Hamas.

Read: HaAretz, “Palestinian PM Fayyad proposes routes for Gaza aid,” 7 February 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L7421944.htm.

79,4 percent would attend legislations

tonje — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:17:47 +0000

According to a new poll conducted by researchers at An-Najah National University in Nablus, 79,4 percent of the Palestinian electorate will participate in upcoming parliamentary elections. 79 percent will attend presidential elections.

Read: Maan News, “Poll: 57% of Palestinians see Hamas strengthened by Gaza war,” 4 February 2008, http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=35520.

Possibility of unity talks in February

tonje — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:16:52 +0000

Egypt has proposed 22 February as a starting date for a new round of unity talks between the Palestinian factions.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Egypt proposes Feb 22 for Palestinian talks,” 27 January 2008, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LR152609.htm

Reconciliation talks in Cairo

tonje — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:18:17 +0000

For the first time in ten months, Palestinian officials from Hamas and Fatah have met in Cairo to pave the way for possible reconciliation after Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Hamas, Fatah hold reconciliation talks in Egypt,” 26 January 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LQ421598.htm.

Gaza cabinet picking up the pieces

tonje — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:43:17 +0000

Headed by prime minister Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas government in Gaza is working to reassert control. The government has started handing out cash, and the security forces are back on the streets. In addition, work crews are fixing power lines, unblocking sewers and clearing debris from the roads.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Hamas show of confidence tempered by uncertainty,” 25 January 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LP733829.htm.

Egypt urges fast aid

tonje — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:21:47 +0000

While Egypt urges EU to offer fast aid to Palestinians, the EU asks for a Palestinian unity government that will be able to use the funds collected.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Egypt urges EU to offer fast aid to Palestinians,” 25 January 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LP209904.htm.

Nathan J. Brown: Impossible to work with the Palestinian Authority and avoid Hamas

tonje — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:48:41 +0000

In a recent web commentary, Nathan J. Brown cracks down on several myths involving the legitimacy of the Ramallah based governemnt as constituting the PA, the feasibility of elections and the possibility of rebuilding Gaza without Hamas cooperation.

Read: Nathan J. Brown, “Pointers for the Obama Administration in the Middle East: Avoiding Myths and Vain Hopes,” Web commentary, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 23 January 2008, http://carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=22662&prog=zgp&proj=zme

Hamas sticks to rule in Gaza

tonje — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:09:20 +0000

Hamas wants to keep ruling in Gaza, and not to return to its previous role as a pure resistance movement.

Read: International Herald Tribune, “Parsing gains of the war in Gaza,” 19 January 2009, http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/19/africa/19assess.php?page=1.

Abbas now considered ex-president

tonje — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 21:59:26 +0000

Minister of justice Mohamed Al-Ghoul in the de facto government in Gaza has issued a press release stating that “any actions, decisions or obligations made by former PA chief Mahmoud Abbas, whose term of office had expired on 9/1/2009, do not oblige the Palestinian people.” Ghoul refers to Art 36 in the Palestinian Basic Law, which states that the presidential term of office is only four years. Accordingly Abbas is no longer entitled to represent the Palestinian people or sign agreements on their behalf even by declaring himself a president of Palestine

Read: Palestine Information Centre, “Minister of justice: Ex-PA chief no longer represents the Palestinians,” 18 January 2009, http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/en/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MDI46m9rUxJEpMO%2bi1s7PYHzJI1naXcQezhMbudZ4swqAfgyFDr0HZ904uFO4H9ueP8wwEReuz1Tx31Oxa2IUpqJOrSd3eq2CIknrrgsSnmUDB3obUFKoDx03HpxLLk%3d (accessed 19 January 2009, link may expire)

PM Fayyad fears reconstruction mechanism will widen split

tonje — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 20:28:07 +0000

European leaders and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon have offered to set up an interim international committee that would fund and organise aid directed towards reconstruction of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad states that this mechanism is problematic as it assumes separation between Gaza and the West Bank will continue. A senior Western diplomat states that the mechanism is intende to help Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to return to Gaza and reassert his control there.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “INTERVIEW-Gaza reconstruction offer deepens split-Palestinian PM,” 18 January 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LI211155.htm

Hamas traffic police back in streets

tonje — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 20:06:26 +0000

In Gaza, Hamas traffic police and security men are out in the street as a visible symbol of the Hamas administration’s authority. The Israeli military strikes in Gaza have destroyed the compounds of all Hamas security forces and most government buildings.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Hamas directs traffic, but some Gazans query war,” 18 January 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LI293540.htm

PFLP on president’s legitimacy and other issues

tonje — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 23:35:46 +0000

On being asked by Maan News about the legitimacy of President Mahmoud Abbas, whose term ended on 9 January, PFLP states that the only Palestinian legitimacy that matters now is the legitimacy of resistance.

Read: Maan News, “Exclusive: PFLP in Gaza on peace, resistance and unity,” 17 January 2009, http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=35054.

De facto interior minister assassinated

tonje — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:29:04 +0000

Said Siyam, interior minister in the de facto government in Gaza was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike. Siyam formed the Executive Forces, a Hamas-controlled security force, after Hamas’ electoral victory in 2006.

Read: Maan News, “Israel assassinates de facto interior minister, nine others,” 15 January 2009, http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=35008

Reconstruction to boost Abbas

tonje — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:34:41 +0000

The United States hopes to use post-war reconstruction of the Gaza Strip to help the Western-backed Palestinian Authority reassert its presence in Gaza. The aim is to ensure that President Mahmoud Abbas receives credit for the reconstruction, and not Hamas.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “EXCLUSIVE-US sees Gaza rebuilding as opportunity for Abbas,” 13 January 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L9171933.htm.

Thousands rally for Abbas’ continuation

tonje — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:15:01 +0000

Thousands of Palestinians from various factions took to the streets in Nablus on Friday to support President Mahmoud Abbas as the Palestinian president. Hamas argues that Abbas’ term expires on Friday 9 January.

Read: Maan News, “Thousands show support for continuation of Abbas’ term as Palestinian president,” 9 January 2009, http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=34802.

Read: Maan News, “PA Chief of Staff: Abbas remains legitimate Palestinian leader; talks in Cairo show progress,” 10 January 2009, http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=34841

Dispute over presidential term deferred

tonje — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:21:00 +0000

Due to the Israeli onslught on Gaza, the dispute over President Mahmoud Abbas’ presidential term, which is set to expire Friday 9 January, the legitimacy challenge to Abbas’ presidency has been postponed.

Read: Maan News, “Hamas says Abbas no longer legitimate president, but stopping invasion is priority,” 9 December 2009.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “ANALYSIS-Gaza crisis defers dispute over Abbas presidency,” 8 December 2009, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/NL7673258.htm.

Interior Ministry targeted

tonje — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:12:17 +0000

The Interior Ministry in Gaza has been bombed in the first air strike that targeted a government building in the Israeli offensive.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Israeli warplanes bomb Hamas ministry in Gaza,” 29 December 2008, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LT400235.htm.

Barghuti becomes honorary citizen

tonje — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 10:50:27 +0000

The French city of Satan has granted honorary citizenship to senior Fatah leader and member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Marwan Al-Barghuthi.

Read: Maan News, “French city grants honorary citizenship to PLC member,” 28 December 2008, http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=34337.

Palestinian president blames Hamas

tonje — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 10:13:48 +0000

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas blames Hamas for triggering Israel’s offensive in Gaza by not extending a six-month truce with Israel. Hamas and Abbas’ Fatah party have been at loggerheads since Hamas won the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Abbas blames Hamas for bringing Israel’s wrath,” 28 December 2008, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LS264262.htm.

PLC member receives 30 year sentence

tonje — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 10:45:51 +0000

Ahmad Sa’adat, member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) and Secretary-General of Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) has been sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by an Israeli military court. Sa’adat was charged with involvement in the assassination of former Israeli Minister of Tourism Rahba’am Ze’evi in a hotel in Jerusalem.

Read: Maan News, “PFLP secretary-general sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by Israeli military court,” 25 December 2008, http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=34213.

Egypt plans new round of reconciliation talks

tonje — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 10:26:03 +0000

Egypt will renew its effort to broker a unity deal between the various Palestinian factions and pave way for new elections. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has stated his intention to call for elections unless Hamas agrees to talks, but has recently stated that presidential and general elections would have to wait until “all chances for dialogue are exhausted”.

Read: Reuters Alertnet, “Egypt to invite Palestinians to new unity talks,” 25 December 2008, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LP597508.htm.

Read: Maan News, “Abbas says Israel, Hamas to blame for siege on Gaza,” 23 December 2008, http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=34189

Hamas: New penal codes not ratified

tonje — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:35:40 +0000

According to recent media reports, Hamas lawmakers have allegedly ratified part of a new legal code based on Islamic teacings. These reports have now been rejected by head of the legal committee for the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) in Gaza. Punishments under the new law reportedly included the death penalty, ransoms, imprisonment, fines, confiscation and dismissal from a place of employment. According to PLC member Ahmad Abu Halabiyya, the topic had been discussed in a workshop, not in the PLC.

Read: Maan, “Hamas denies ratification of new penal codes based on Islamic teachings,” 24 December 2008, http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=34203.

Read: Nathan J. Brown, “Guest Post: Brown, Hamas in Gaza: The Islamic Law That Wasn’t,” Abu Aardvark – a blog by Marc Lynch, 27 December 2008, http://abuaardvark.typepad.com/abuaardvark/2008/12/guest-post-brown-hamas-in-gaza-the-islamic-law-that-wasnt.html

President Abbas criticized for frequent travels

tonje — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:40:17 +0000

As the term of the Palestinian presidency is set to expire, President Mahmoud Abbas’ leadership style is becoming an issue. Ordinary Palestinians are now grumbling about Abbas’s frequent travels abroad despite an ongoing crisis at home. It is pointed out that Abbas as president has not visited West Bank towns like Hebron, Jenin, Qalqiliya and Tulkarem. Abbas’ aids argue that he is helping the Palestinian cause by rallying international support, and that day-to-day government falls to the prime minister.

Read: AP, “Palestinians unhappy with Abbas’ frequent absences,” 22 December 2008, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081222/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_palestinians_globetrotting_abbas_3.

PNGO calls for local elections

tonje — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 10:28:17 +0000

The Palestinian Network of Non-Governmental Organizations (PNGO) is concerned that no preparations are being made for holding municipal elections in the Palestinian territories. Several municipal councils have been dissolved since they were elected in 2004 and replaced with appointed representatives.

Read: Maan News, “PNGO: democracy off the rails in Palestine, Abbas must ensure municipal elections held on time,” 20 December 2008, http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=34121.

Fatah lawmaker calls for release of PLC speaker

tonje — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:24:02 +0000

Azam al-Ahmad, leader of the Fatah bloc in the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) demands the release of PLC speaker Aziz Dweik. Dweik has been sentenced by an Israeli court to 36 months in prison.

Read: Maan News, ”Top Fatah lawmaker calls for release of Hamas PLC speaker,” 18 December 2008,http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=34062