Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has reportedly delayed legislative and presidential elections by nearly another year, pushing the long-delayed vote to September 11, 2027. The decision was formalized through a decree issued on Friday, despite previous commitments made to international partners. The rationale behind the postponement is allegedly tied to obstacles posed by Israeli measures in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, including movement restrictions and the withholding of tax revenues. Abbas claimed that these conditions prevent the holding of free, fair, and inclusive elections.

The decree also points to exceptional security and humanitarian challenges in the Gaza Strip, as well as incomplete military withdrawals and a lack of reconstruction progress. Critics point out that Abbas has governed entirely by decree since his presidential mandate officially expired in 2009, with no Palestinian elections having taken place for over two decades.

The announcement drew sharp criticism from the Israeli regime, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissing the decree on social media as yet another ridiculous falsehood designed to evade responsibility and shift the blame.

Source: www.dw.com