Abbas calls for calm during Israeli pullout

updated 5:00 p.m. ET Aug. 9, 2005

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday warned that attacks by Palestinians during Israel's upcoming pullout from Gaza would harm Palestinian chances for independence, but he also promised to hold long-delayed parliamentary elections in January as a gesture to the militants.

With the Israeli pullout set to begin next week, Abbas told his parliament that Palestinian behavior will determine how the world perceives their ability to run their own affairs. Violent groups like Hamas want to show they are driving the Israelis out by force, but Abbas wants a smooth handover.

Later Tuesday, Israeli and Palestinian officials reached agreement on the disposal of rubble from the Jewish settlements that will be destroyed — a crucial point of coordination. Abbas was to announce on Wednesday whether he accepts the agreement.

Israeli and Palestinian officials working to coordinate the withdrawal agreed that Israel will take in dangerous rubble, including asbestos, while the Palestinians will remove the rest. Israel is to fund the Palestinian part, but the World Bank will administer the money.

Palestinian elections first set for mid-July
Abbas did not set an exact date in January for elections. Hamas, which is entering candidates for the first time, has harshly criticized Abbas' decision to postpone the vote, originally set for July 17.

Timeline for Israeli withdrawal — Aug. 15: Illegal for Israeli civilians to be in the Gaza Strip. — Aug. 15-17: Grace period for Jewish settlers to leave Gaza voluntarily. — Aug. 17: Israel army begins forcible evacuation of remaining settlers from Gaza. — Early September: Four Jewish settlements in the West Bank to be removed.

Abbas was meeting Hamas leaders late Tuesday to discuss the new election schedule. Hamas is expected to do well against Abbas' Fatah party after scoring impressive victories in three rounds of local elections in recent months.

Elections are a cornerstone of reforms Abbas is promoting at the insistence of his own people, tired of years of corruption. International donors also welcome elections, but there is also concern they could bring Hamas to power.

The Palestinian parliament has been serving since it was first elected in 1996.

INTERACTIVE

Abbas' first concern in a comprehensive speech to a session of parliament in Gaza City on Tuesday was easing the way for Israel to exit Gaza. Israel plans to remove all 21 settlements, with about 8,500 residents, beginning Aug. 15, and has warned that if there are Palestinian attacks, it will hit back hard.

"There is a requirement to ensure the withdrawal takes place in a civilized manner," Abbas said. "We will be able to show the world we deserve independence and freedom."

Abbas warned against looting after the withdrawal, saying the land on which the settlements were built belongs to all Palestinians.

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