Palestinian Authority approves July elections in West Bank
Despite opposition from Hamas, Fayyad's Western-backed government decides to continue preparing for polls.
By Reuters Tags: Palestinian Authority Israel news West BankThe Western-backed government of Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad gave the go-ahead on Sunday for local elections in the West Bank in July, despite opposition from rival Hamas Islamists who run the Gaza Strip.
"The cabinet decided to continue with all necessary preparations for carrying out the polls for local councils in the West Bank on July 17," it said in a statement after a meeting in the city of Ramallah.
Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah party in 2007. The two parties have been in a state of open hostility since.
Legislative and presidential elections called in January by Abbas were canceled due to a ban by Hamas on participation in the Gaza Strip.
An Egyptian plan aimed at ending the Palestinian division set legislative and presidential elections for June. Fatah leader Abbas, who is supported by Cairo, signed the document, but Hamas has refused to.
The Palestinians last held local elections in 2005, shortly before a legislative election in which Hamas defeated Fatah.
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Has Israel and the IDF approved? And decided who can run? And who can vote? And who is allowed to win? These things have to be cleared first. The last election, Likud didn't approve; hence funding for the PA was cut off, tax revenues seized, and Gaza driven into the arms of Iran. Fayyad should get it in writing first before any vote or election campaign is started. Better yet. Don't hold the elections. Netanyahu won't be held to any prior commitment, even if he makes it.