A report said Hamas was preparing to launch a wave of violence against the PA in the West Bank ahead of and during the Middle East peace conference in the United States. The conference, the date of which was not announced, was expected to take place in early December, Middle East Newsline reported.

"Although an overt Hamas uprising in the West Bank remains implausible, the group [Hamas] is most likely preparing for operations against Israeli targets, top PA officials, and security personnel to coincide with the Annapolis meeting, with the objective of destabilizing the West Bank," the Washington Institute said.

Authored by Palestinian analyst Mohammad Yaghi, the report cited Hamas threats to seize the West Bank over the next year. In June 2007, Hamas captured the Gaza Strip and established a regime in opposition to the Fatah-aligned PA.

"The push for diplomatic progress at Annapolis has already exacerbated the confrontation between Fatah and Hamas," the report said. "As the meeting approaches and final-status negotiations begin, Palestinian violence may increase and possibly erupt in the West Bank."

The report said the PA has detained Hamas activists and "associated criminal elements in the territory." At the same time, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has remained under threat and "travels in an armored car within his own compound."

The West has sought to bolster PA security ahead of the Middle East conference. France plans to host a meeting of donors in December to provide immediate aid to the PA.

"Because of the ongoing Hamas challenge and the prospect for further escalation, efforts to strengthen the PA's capabilities and improve daily life will become even more critical in the coming weeks," the report said.