In the face of failing peace talks with Israel and a stalemate with rival Hamas, reports suggest that a frustrated Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will not seek re-election early next year.

The BBC:

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will not seek re-election in polls next year, reports suggest.

Officials from the Palestine Liberation Organisation told journalists in the West Bank that Mr Abbas “insists on not running” in the 24 January election.

An aide to Mr Abbas said earlier a lack of progress in peace talks with Israel and failure to achieve reconciliation with Hamas could prompt such a move.

But another aide said PLO officials were trying to change Mr Abbas’ mind.

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