Abbas calls for early elections

Will the move further entrench the split between Fatah and Hamas? [REUTERS]

Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, has said he will call for early parliamentary and presidential elections as a response to Hamas’s take-over of Gaza last month.

He said he has no precise timetable for the elections.

In a fiery speech in Ramallah on Wednesday, he said he will not wait for approval from Hamas leaders.

So, what does that mean?

Will this move further entrench the split between Fatah and Hamas?

Will it radicalise Hamas and its supporters further?

Is his outside support enough to enable Abbas to go ahead with his plan?

Find out on Inside Story.  

Watch this episode of Inside Story here:

Part 1:

Part 2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQnQL_lXlNk

Watch Inside Story at 17:30GMT on Al Jazeera English

---

To contact us click on ‘Send your feedback’ at the top of the page

Watch Al Jazeera English programmes on YouTube

Join our debates on the Your Views page