Abbas, who says that Fatah and Hamas are intent on healing the historical discord between the two Palestinian parties, pledged to send a message to the Israeli government to gain permission to hold elections in Jerusalem.

 

He went on to say that if Israel objected, he would again resort to lobbying the UN Security Council and the General Assembly.

 

Israel has yet to respond officially. Abbas said he hoped elections could be held this year, even as early as June. But with a recent rift in Hamas leadership, continued apparent support for Hamas militant operations by anti-Israeli aggressor Iran, and no planned formal resumption of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, international media commentators say that a unity government vote may well not take place this year.

 

Source: JN1