Jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti has decided to stand in elections for the leadership of the Palestinian Authority, reversing an earlier decision to drop out for the sake of unity.
Mr Saed Nimr, head of the campaign to free Barghouti from an Israeli prison where he is serving a life sentence, confirmed the candidacy. Word of this development came just hours after interim Palestinian leader Mr Mahmoud Abbas formally launched his campaign for Palestinian Authority president.
Barghouti would have to run as an independent candidate in the election. Mr Nimr's office confirmed the jailed leader's campaign had paid bank deposit required of independent presidential candidates today and that his wife was preparing to submit formal registration papers before the midnight deadline.
Fatah officials have warned that a bid by Barghouti, who is more popular than the staid Mr Abbas, could split the movement. After Barghouti said last Friday that he would not run, the young guard pledged to unite behind Mr Abbas.
Barghouti (45) is serving five consecutive life terms for his role in attacks that killed four Israelis and a Greek monk. He has denied involvement in violence.
AP