Palestinian Parties Remain Divided Over Elections - Al-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Hazem Balousha

Hazem Balousha

Feb 18, 2013

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (L) and Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal (R) shake hands as Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani sits between them during an agreement signing ceremony in Doha February 6, 2012. The leaders of rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas signed a deal in Qatar on Monday to form a unity government of independent technocrats for the West Bank and Gaza, headed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. REUTERS/Stringer(QATAR - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR2XEJX — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (L) and Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal (R) shake hands as Qatar's Emir Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani sits between them during an agreement signing ceremony in Doha, Feb. 6, 2012. — REUTERS

A Palestinian girl cries as she attends a rally protesting Monday's killing of the three sons of a Palestinian intelligence chief loyal to President Mahmous Abbas in Gaza December 13, 2006 in front of a poster depicting a schoolmate of the slain children. Tensions and violence have spiralled in Gaza and the occupied West Bank between Hamas and the rival Fatah faction of Abbas after attempts to form a national unity government failed. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA) - RTR1KCOZ

Gaza Sees Rise in Violence, Crime

Hazem Balousha

Members of the Hamas security forces and United Nations international experts prepare to destroy the remains of ordnance from an eight-day conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in 2012, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip February 25, 2013. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa (GAZA - Tags: POLITICS CONFLICT) - RTR3E9UU

Hamas and Israel Seek To Maintain Gaza Peace

Hazem Balousha

Senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is seen on a video camera as he delivers a speech after an eight-day conflict in Gaza City November 22, 2012. A ceasefire between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers took hold on Thursday after eight days of conflict, although deep mistrust on both sides cast doubt on how long the Egyptian-sponsored deal can last. REUTERS/Ahmed Zakot (GAZA - Tags: MILITARY CONFLICT POLITICS) - RTR3AQB2

Gaza Press Freedom Shrivels Amid Journalist Persecution

Hazem Balousha

U.S. President Barack Obama delivers remarks on the economy after touring Linamar Corporation that manufactures parts for the truck industry in Arden, North Carolina, February 13, 2013. Obama visited the facility on Wednesday to promote economic policies outlined in his State of the Union speech. REUTERS/Jason Reed (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS TRANSPORT BUSINESS) - RTR3DQPD

Palestinians Not Optimistic About Obama Visit

Hazem Balousha