Abbas Wants A Referendum

What has been labeled an "uncharacteristically bold move" of the Palestinian president, the referendum will mainly focus on the idea of creating a Palestinian state that would be comprised of east Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Although he was known for his cautiousness and lack of strong political convictions, Abbas seems to have made such a courageous decision in order to force Hamas adopt a more moderate political outlook, with regard to destroying the Israeli state and the creation of one Palestinian state in all historical Palestine, once and for all.

As opposed to such views, Abbas believes that creating the Palestinian state on the territories amassed as a consequence of the 1967 war would be far more plausible and more realistic in political and diplomatic terms. "What we have to ask is what is possible, what is facing us and what do we want. We cannot say no to everything - what can we say yes to?" stated philosophically Abbas.

Moreover, Abbas declared that he is giving Hamas 10 days to come to terms with this decision regarding the borders of the Palestinian territories, which subsequently implies recognition of the state of Israel. In case Hamas does not agree, then the referendum would nonetheless be held within 40 days, and would thus constitute the first political act on such an issue.

Abbas's announcement was made during a Palestinian political conference on Thursday in Ramallah, in the West Bank.

Hamas has not had any objections yet regarding the popular vote; on the contrary, Hamas spokesman, Ghazi Hamad declared that: "We are not against a referendum, and we will respect the choice of the Palestinian people".

The Palestinian referendum is based on an unusual document elaborated upon by Palestinians, both from Hamas and Fatah, held in Israeli custody, as a solution to ending political deadlock.