Over a million of the 3.5 million Palestinians voted to elect out of 700 plus candidates (with 80 odd women candidates) seeking a mandate fewer than 11 political parties and as independents for 132 Parliamentary seats. The terrorist group, Hamas, participated in elections for the first time. As a pre-cursor, it had dropped the “destruction of Israel” from its manifesto sparking speculation that it is softening its stance and wanting a diplomatic settlement. The United States had earlier said that it wanted Hamas, with over 33% of popular support, to participate. However, with opinion polls pointing to a Hamas victory, it balked and said it could not recognize a Government led by Hamas. Yaseer Arafat’s Fattah party, badly damaged by infighting and internal political squabbles in the Gaza strip, may still pull through but may need the support of Hamas to form a Government. Senior members of the Israeli Cabinet met with army commanders to discuss options in case of a Hamas victory that it calls a “ticking bomb.” Fattah party leader Mahmud Abbas said it has no qualms partnering with Hamas and reiterated its partnership with Israel. Although it does not recognize the Jewish state, Hamas said that it is willing to negotiate indirectly with Israel but is unwilling to give up its weapons.