Gaza: Palestinian political stagnation continues and people are blaming Hamas' internal divisions particularly revolving around upcoming elections for the party.
Palestinians are supposed to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in May but prospects now are dim given the secrecy and uncertainty of elections within Hamas.
"Elections could see a change of guard in Hamas," Yasser Al Wadia, a Palestinian analyst told Gulf News. Hamas and Fatah signed a unity agreement in Doha three months ago, but so far there has been no progress in forming a unity government.
"Hamas' elections could see a delay in the formation of the unity government," he added.
Palestinians have grown accustomed to several failed attempts to bridge the political gap between the Hamas' controlled Gaza strip and the Fatah' controlled West Bank.
"Hamas is definitely to blame this time," Faisal Abu Shahla, another analyst told Gulf News.
President Mahmoud Abbas has postponed a formal request with the election council because Fatah and Hamas have yet to settle their disagreements on who will run the interim government.
"Hamas is not interested in reconciliation. They always put obstacles in the way," he added. Hamas insist on forming the unity agreement before allowing the election council to proceed with voter registration.
Hamas spokesman, Fawzi Barhoum says that Hamas is serious about reconciliation but Fatah is the one that is uninterested. He also critisised Fatah for dealing with the "zionist Israeli occupation".
In general, Hamas' political leadership in Gaza were unhappy with Hamas Bureau Chief Khaled Mishaal's decision to form a unity government with Fatah. The rival parties signed the reconciliation agreement in February with the intention of holding fresh presidential and legislative elections.
