Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said, on Monday, that he would delay upcoming parliamentary elections if Israel bars East Jerusalem residents from voting.
"We all agree that Jerusalem should be included in the elections," Abbas said in Doha- Qatar. "If it is not included, all the factions agree there should be no elections".
It was the first time that Abbas has indicated he would delay the Jan. 25 vote. Top members of his Fateh Party have been pressuring him to postpone the elections in the face of a fierce challenge from the Islamic group Hamas.
Abbas’ comments signaled that Hamas would also accept a delay. The Islamic group has repeatedly said it expects the vote to take place on schedule.
Abbas was scheduled to meet with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal in Qatar. It was not immediately known whether the meeting took place or not.
