Abbas will not seek re-election
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas has announced that he will not run for re-election.
In a speech on Wednesday Mr Abbas confirmed that he does not plan to seek another term.
In his speech to political allies, Mr Abbas also said he was willing to travel to the Gaza Strip to promote reconciliation between the feuding Palestinian territories and form a united government.
Mr Abbas' plan includes new elections within six months, but he said he would not run for president again.
However, it is unclear whether the elections will be held because Mr Abbas has previously said they cannot take place unless the West Bank and Gaza are reunified.