Reasons for the Current Unrest
There is a combination of so many factors affecting the unrest amongst the Palestinian population at this time all of which are being used by the Palestinian leadership and Hamas to foment the riots and terror.
a) A primary cause is the decision by Abass not to hold elections. (there was not much doubt that they would ever be held as this was a token gesture by Abass to the international community)
b) By demanding that the Palestinians in Eastern Jerusalem “be allowed to vote”, this provided the basis of his decision to postpone the elections. In fact they can vote IF their registered address is in Jerusalem. Those with addresses in the villages outside Jerusalem need to travel there to vote just as Israelis have to vote in the location of their official address. (this is why free transport is available of election day.). Thus yet another propaganda opportunity was created.
c) In another flash point is Sheikh Jarrah, the world is focusing on the “poor Palestinians” who are to be kicked out of their homes. The facts are that the homes were officially owned by Jews in 1948. After the Jordanian occupation of Jerusalem, the Jordanian authorities having destroyed synagogues and other infrastructure offered the Jewish owned homes in Sheikh Jarrah to Arab families with no recognition of the actual ownership. These families are in fact squatters, they pay no rent. Israeli courts will often evict those who do not pay their rent but because this case affects the Arab community, the Palestinian leadership has a further great propaganda opportunity.
The Israeli courts had compassion in 1979 and refused to evict them on condition they pay rents to the Jewish landowners who were evicted in 1948. This nonsense has been going on for years in the courts. They are also being offered alternative housing.
d) Last but not least, naturally is the influence of Hamas. Throwing rockets into Israel (currently 1100 in the last 48 hours, each targeting civilians) in support of the rioting Palestinians in Jerusalem. Hamas also expected to succeed in the planned elections and with their cancellation, they also have reason to stoke the fires of lawlessness.