Hamas-led parliament delays move to block Abbas referendum
The Palestinians' Hamas-dominated parliament today backed off a threat to derail President Mahmoud Abbas' plan to hold a national referendum on a proposal that implicitly recognises Israel, putting off a crucial vote until next week.
With its 69-6 vote, the parliament delayed a contentious showdown with Abbas until June 20. MPs said the move was aimed at giving on-going negotiations between Hamas and Abbas' Fatah movement a chance to succeed.
