“The Hamas chief highlighted three elements that led to the Palestinians’ determination to go for the elections: the presidential decrees, the Palestinian factions’ iron will, and the prevailing democratic atmosphere,” a Hamas statement said.

Haniyeh and Abbas confirmed that the Palestinian vote shall be held in its due time, starting from the legislative elections, then the presidential elections, and finally the National Council elections, according to the statement.

“Two leaders emphasized that Palestinians living in Jerusalem shall take part in the elections, either as candidates or as voters, thus resisting the israeli occupation’s attempts to sabotage the elections,” the statement added.