RAMALLAH, Monday, October 19, 2020 (WAFA) - Fatah Central Committee has unanimously approved the understandings that were recently reached in the talks with Hamas in Istanbul, and it is waiting for the approval of the Hamas political bureau before President Mahmoud Abbas would issue decrees to hold elections, according to Fatah member Rawhi Fattouh.

"Until now, we still have hope that what has been agreed upon with Hamas in Istanbul will be accomplished," Fattouh told Palestine TV last night.

He said all the factions have agreed to participate in the legislative elections, and those who do not agree should not put obstacles in their way. At the same time, everyone is going to participate in the elections for the Palestinian National Council (PNC), he said, adding “We are waiting for the official response from Hamas. We have officially accepted the understandings and are waiting for approval from Hamas.”

He explained that the elections will begin with the Legislative Council, then the presidential elections and finally the elections for the PNC within six months.

Fattouh said that “the ball is now in the court of Hamas to accept what was agreed upon. There is still hope and the dialogue did not stop.”

He said that any outstanding issues could be resolved after the elections.

“We in Fatah have done our work in the right way as agreed in the factions’ meeting,” he said. “Today we are waiting for answers from Hamas in order to issue the (elections) decree. A delay in the answer is not in anyone’s interest and those who try to obstruct reconciliations will not get anything. Time is not in our interest when it comes to national dialogue.”

As to why there is this delay, Fattouh said that “the idea of reconciliation does not seem to have matured for some, especially in Gaza, and maybe someone will be at a disadvantage from reconciliation and will lose a lot if achieved. We believe that some may obstruct the reconciliation process for personal interests.”

M.K.