Palestinian Authority continues large scale arrests of Hamas members

Palace reports denied
Officials from the Palestinian Authority have denied reports that a $13 million presidential palace was being constructed as a personal residence for the president, or that it was being paid for with public money. Palestinian news agency Ma’an reported that instead the palace will be a leadership headquarters and a residence to receive world leaders.

 

Haaretz reported that Palestinian Authority officials said that the construction of the palace is being paid for by international donations and a “windfall” from Palestinian corporations.

 

Plans for the complex, published on the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction’s (PECDAR) website, show two helipads and accommodation for security and administrative staff on the site.

 

Abbas yields to European pressure
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has gone back on his decision to close an internationally funded peace center which is run by his political rival, Yasser Abed Rabbo.

 

According to Reuters, a presidential decree had ordered the offices of the Palestinian Peace Coalition (PPC) be closed and its assets seized, however this order has been rescinded after European intervention.

 

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