Violence in Gaza

Violence followed President Abu Mazen's declaration that he plans to call for an early election.
Firefights broke out in several locations in the Gaza Strip between Hamas and Fatah operatives.
At least 21 Palestinians were injured. Hamas militants kidnapped a Fatah policeman. Two more Fatah supportes were kidnapped in the north of the Gaza Strip.
Thousands gathered in protests and in support of Hamas.
Negotiations are being conducted to release the kidnapees and to facilitate a calm between Fatah and Hamas.
Hamas announced that an early election is unacceptable.
Many fear that the Palestinian Authority is headed for an all out civil war.

Peres: There are preliminary conditions for a negotiation with Syria

Former PM and Minister, Shimon Peres, responded today to the peace overtures from Syria.

Peres said that putting a stop to the activity of terrorist organizations' headquarters in Damascus is a preliminary condition for the beginning of a negotiation between Syria and Israel.

Peres added that Syria's wish to continue arming Hezbollah (which goes against UN resolution 1701) is intolerable. Peres is one of the architects of the Oslo accords and a Noble Peace Prize Laureate.

Several left wings members of Knesset called for the government to respond favorably to Syria's overtures.

Riots in Gaza

In response to President Abu Mazen's statements regarding his intentions to disaband the Hamas government and call for an early election, Hamas supporters in the hundreds filled the streets in Gaza, shouted slogans in support of Hamas and fired into the air.

One of the aides of PM Haniyeh said that Hamas is planning a number of demonstrations in order to show Abu Mazen that they enjoy the support of the majority and that his plan to call for an early election is unacceptable.

Abu Mazen calls for early elections

In a wrathful speech delivered today in Ramallah, President Abu Mazen announced that he plans to set an early date for elections to the Palestinian parliament and presidency. Abu Mazen criticized the Hamas government who sets spokes in the wheels of every initiative that he as president is making towards Israel. He also admonished the Hamas for its continued launching of rockets from Gaza. These rockets prevent us from developing the Gaza Strip where Israeli settlements used to stand, claimed Abu Mazen. Abu Mazen also criticized the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit and said that it has cost the Palestinians 500 dead up to today. The president continued his attack and blamed Hamas for the fightings which broke out at the Rafah Pass as Haniyeh returned to Gaza.

Abu Mazen said that he will consult with the central election comittee to set the appropriate date, but provided a way out for Hamas by saying that a national unity government is still the goal.

Abu Mazen gave his speech in front of dozens of Palestinian officials and news correspondents.

Khaled Mashal: Fight Israel and not each other

Head of Hamas's political council, Khaled Mashal, called for members of his organization to exhibit restraint and refrain from internal violence with other Palestinian factions. Mashal said that Israel is the one to fight against not other Palestinians. Mashal expressed these views in a radio broadcast in Damascus. Mashal's interview came in the wake of the failed assassination attempt on Hamas apponited Palestinian PM, Ismail Hanieyh, two nights ago, which has prompted severe clashes between Hamas and Fatah Supporters all over Gaza and in certain areas of the West Bank.

Syria: The Golan Heights is not a preliminary condition

Syria continues it peace overtures to Israel: Syrain FM, Walid Mualem, in an interview to the Daily Star, said that the return of the Golan Heights is not a preliminary condition in a future negotiation between Israel and Syria. Up to now, it has always been Syria's position that the return of the Golan Heights must be the known conclusion of a negotiation between it and Israel.

Mualem's statements come in the wake of Assad's statement in which he urged Israeli PM, Olmert, to take a chance on him and see that his intentions are true. Mualem emphasized that he expresses his leader's view.

Mualem also said that Syria is eager to work constructively with Washington to solve the crisis in Iraq and does not wish to reestablish its stronghold in Lebanon as a return.

Mualem said that the Middle East is at a crossroads: either the area will return to stability, or will plummet to inter-religious wars.

Mualem's statements are a complete opposite of those he expressed after the war between Israel and Hezbollah last summer, in which he said that there is now a window of opportunity for a few months to settle the issue of the Golan Heights by peace or the countdown for a new Israeli-Syria war will commence.