Palestinian rivals, Mideast regional powers growing uneasy with Abbas

Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other Arab states are piling pressure on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to resolve divisions in his Fatah party and with the rival Hamas movement, amid growing concerns about whether Palestinian democracy is under threat.

Neighboring states, diplomats and major funders fear the festering divisions could lead to conflict, and say the lack of a clear transition process raises questions about what would happen if the 81-year-old Abbas, in power since 2005 despite his mandate expiring, were to die in office.

 

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