Palestine factions could postpone elections amid Israeli complications, internal feud

Palestinian factions are discussing the possibility of postponing upcoming legislative elections, set for November 28, amid Israeli complications and internal disputes. President Mahmoud Abbas originally scheduled the polls, but a top Hamas-allied Islamic Jihad official revealed they have agreed to delay the vote. The reason cited includes logistical challenges in Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem and war-torn Gaza, alongside the faction's historical internal conflicts.

Fatah, the party of President Abbas, stated the election timing will be decided through "dialogue and national consensus" among the factions. However, the final decision is yet to be made. The executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation will also deliberate on this matter.

Since the last elections in 2006, the Palestinian Legislative Council has been inactive. The territories held municipal elections in April, the first since the October 2023 Gaza conflict. The European Union has pledged to send election observers if the Palestinians proceed with the vote, emphasizing the importance of credible, inclusive, and transparent elections. The international community, including the EU, demands electoral reforms in the Palestinian territories.