A resolution approved by the Hamas-dominated Palestinian Legislative Council on Monday demands that Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas issue a decree by Wednesday to hold new presidential elections within three months, to coincide with what the Islamic movement says is the end of his term. Hamas will cease to recognize Mahmoud Abbas as Palestinian president after January 9th and replace him with with one of its own leaders, according to the resolution.

Referring to Egyptian-brokered conciliation talks between Hamas and Abu Mazen's Fatach faction, expected to start next month, Abbas aide Nimer Hamad told the Associated Press, "I believe Hamas is coming to this point just to undermine the national dialogue before it starts in Cairo."