Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum stated the following:

The positions and behaviour of Fatah and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas regarding Palestinian elections are negative and disappointing.

Following the positive and optimistic atmosphere that prevailed while efforts were being exerted by the Central Elections Commission and its chief Hanna Nasser and the concessions made by Hamas as it dealt with this issue with supreme national responsibility, in addition to the strong determination expressed by Palestinian factions to go into the election process and restructure the Palestinian House, it has become undoubtedly clear that Fatah and Abbas have used the election card as a manoeuvre to evade the initiative presented by eight Palestinian factions to restore unity, flee the requirements of this stage to end intra-Palestinian division, and undermine the positive atmosphere and chances available to reform the Palestinian political system in a bid to buy some time in the hope of seeking a way out of its current crisis and ensure the continuation of its unilateral and absolute domination over the Palestinian situation. This has been proved by how Fatah has addressed every round of national talks and discussions on Palestinian reconciliation and elections.          

Since it is very keen to achieve unity and partnership and rectify the Palestinian political approach in order to face off the challenges and plans aimed at liquidating the Palestinian cause, Hamas has agreed to reschedule the election process, hold legislative elections first followed by presidential elections, go into discussions on National Council election. While showing great flexibility towards Abbas’ insistence to issue election decree ahead of a national meeting on Palestinian elections, Hamas has also accepted, without hesitation, the proportional electoral system, handed its stance towards Palestinian elections in a written letter to the head of the Central Elections Commission, and contacted several Arab and international sides to supervise the election process.

We reiterate that we will elections to be held without Jerusalem; this is a national right and an inalienable constant position, as everyone should fight in the battle for holding elections in Jerusalem. We should not leave matter to the good intentions of Israeli occupation, so Hamas is fully ready to go into this battle with all its strength.

Fatah and the PA president are required to end their policy of stalling for time and evading their commitments and to get involved in the joint and unified national action as it is a safety valve to face off all challenges posed to the Palestinian cause.