Abbas gives Hamas 10 days to recognise Israel or face referendum

PALESTINIAN President Mahmoud Abbas presented a stern challenge to Hamas yesterday, calling on the ruling militant group to back a Palestinian proposal that recognises Israel or face a referendum on the issue.

In a surprise move on the first day of a two-day ‘national dialogue’ designed to resolve differences between Hamas and his Fatah movement, Mr Abbas gave delegates 10 days to reach agreement on the plan or face a popular vote.

“If you do not reach an agreement (in 10 days), I would like to tell you frankly that I will put this document to a referendum,” Mr Abbas told the delegates.

Mr Abbas said such a referendum would be held within 40 days. The proposal, which has been drawn up by senior figures from Hamas, Fatah and the Islamic Jihad group who are in prison in Israel, agrees to a settlement if the Jewish state withdraws from parts of Jerusalem and the West Bank.

The proposal also calls for a unity government and an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, with its capital in Jerusalem. Other aspects include the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes. However, Amar Duaik, director of the Palestinian election commission, said calling a referendum might be difficult. He said the parliament would have to pass a referendum law or Mr Abbas would have to issue a presidential decree.

Many elements of the proposal may not be accepted by Israel, which has said it intends to maintain large settlement blocs on occupied West Bank land and considers Jerusalem its capital.

Israeli officials said yesterday they would not comment on what has been dubbed the “prisoners’ resolution”.

Senior Hamas figures have not signed up to the plan. Hamas does not recognise Israel’s right to exist, something that is implicit in the proposal. Shortly after Mr Abbas laid down his ultimatum, Hamas and Fatah forces exchanged fire in Gaza, wounding at least five people.