Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has cancelled legislative elections previously scheduled for November 28. According to a decree, a new date of September 11, 2027, has been set for joint presidential and legislative elections. Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh informed France of the postponement, which comes after serious doubts had emerged regarding whether the vote to revive the dissolved parliament would proceed.
The presidency blamed the delay on obstacles imposed by Israel and worsening conditions throughout the Palestinian territories. The postponement also occurs while Fatah, the governing party, is suffering from deep internal rifts.
Palestinians have not held major elections for approximately two decades, with the last legislative election occurring in 2006 when Hamas won a majority of seats. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar responded to the move by accusing Abbas of fooling the international community by once again canceling promised elections.