GAZA CITY [MENL] -- Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has relayed his intention to delay legislative elections until 2006.

Abbas told Hamas leaders that he would not hold elections of the Palestinian Legislative Council until next year. He said the PA would require time to arrange such elections, including the provision of three months notice to candidates and the electorate.

PA officials said security forces have ended active intervention in the clashes between rival Fatah factions as well as Palestinian families. They said the Interior Ministry has lost control over the security forces and failed to maintain a chain of command.

"The PA security forces are largely idle," an official said. "They are without any credible commanders."

The decision to delay elections until 2006 was said to have angered Hamas. Officials said Hamas, warning of escalating tensions within Palestinian areas, particularly in the Gaza Strip, has refused to cooperate with Abbas in effort to impose control over areas slated for Israeli evacuation.