CBNNews.com - GAZA STRIP - A resolution passed by Hamas legislators in the Gaza Strip states that it will not recognize Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas after his four-year term ends on January 8.

While Hamas officials have already announced their intentions, the resolution passed by their legislature Wednesday makes it official policy.

The resolution calls for presidential elections to be held within three months.

Hamas already announced that it will appoint Ahmed Bahar, deputy speaker of the parliament and a member of their party, as Abbas's temporary successor until a new president is elected.

Responding to the Hamas resolution, aides to Abbas said it was meant to pressure the PA's Fatah-affiliated government prior to the next round of meetings in Cairo, aimed at uniting the rival Palestinian factions.

"I believe Hamas is coming to this point just to undermine the national dialogue before it starts in Cairo," said Abbas aide Nimer Hamad, who believes the rivalry between the two factions is destined to deepen, with neither interested in a power-sharing arrangement.

Source: YNet news