For the first time in history, the PA enclaves in Judea and Samaria will have a different time zone than Gaza.

In the Hamas-ruled Gaza, clocks will return to standard time later this week - after one month of daylight saving time - while PA enclaves in Judea and Samaria will continue to enjoy summertime. This means Hamas and Fatah will be living in different time zones. 

The difference over the time in Fatah and Hamas administered areas underscores the ongoing power struggle between the rival factions, despite the much-hailed 'unity agreement' they signed in May. 

Earlier this month, the Fatah-run PA decided to move to standard time for 30 days, during Ramadan. Hamas in Gaza accepted the change and also moved their clocks one hour back.

But with Eid Al Fitr, the end of Ramadan, which comes as the Fatah prepares its statehood bid at the United Nations in September, Fatah officials decided to return to summer daylight savings time.

Hamas' emphatic refusal to synchronize its clock with Fatah may be a sign that no matter what happens in September, Hamas is waiting in the wings with an agenda all its own.

Some analysts say Hamas, which maintains that any peace accord with Israel is merely a 'prelude to war,' is only biding its time for a takeover in Ramallah.

If so, Hamas rather than Fatah, will be setting the region's clocks back.