Israel accuses Palestinian president of ‘fooling’ world with election delay

Jerusalem: Israel's foreign minister has accused Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of deceiving the world by planning to delay upcoming legislative elections, as evidence of a postponement emerges. The Palestinian Authority has not officially announced a delay, but many Palestinians anticipate a cancellation similar to the one in 2021.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated on social media platform X: "Mahmoud Abbas is fooling the international community by cancelling once again promised elections." The last legislative elections in the Palestinian territories took place two decades ago, and conducting polls is a demand of the international community, including the European Union.

Palestinian factions, including Abbas' Fatah and rival Hamas, have agreed to a national dialogue before elections in November, with some factions reportedly seeking to delay the vote. Israel has reportedly denied Palestinian election officials access to east Jerusalem and Gaza ahead of the polls, heightening concerns about a potential postponement.

The rift between Fatah and Hamas, which led to factional fighting and Hamas' seizure of power in Gaza, has resulted in a Palestinian Legislative Council that has not convened since 2007. Abbas, who has ruled by decree since his last presidential term expired in 2009, signed a decree in June allowing for a presidential election in early 2027.