The development came as a senior Palestinian official said that US Middle East envoy George Mitchell failed to achieve a breakthrough on the issue of construction in West Bank Jewish settlements that impede the resumption of direct peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel.

Al-Lahham, who accompanied Abbas in his last visit to the United Nations and Europe, said that the Palestinian president declined to elaborate. He expected Abbas to announce his resignation during a meeting of Arab foreign minister in Cairo on Oct. 6. The ministers are to assess the direct talks and advise the Palestinian leadership.

On Wednesday, the Palestinian daily Al-Ayyam quoted Abbas as saying that he will "make historic decisions" during the meeting of the Arab League.