Palestinian Elections Likely Postponed by Mahmoud Abbas

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is reportedly preparing to postpone the Palestinian legislative elections, which were originally scheduled for November 28. The announcement could come before the Sunday deadline for registering electoral lists, with no new date yet set. The decision is reportedly supported by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, according to Al-Araby TV. This anticipated delay occurs as Fatah seeks to revive dialogue among Palestinian factions. Jibril Rajoub, Secretary General of Fatah's Central Committee, announced that new discussions with Hamas are expected in Cairo in the coming days. Delegations from Hamas and Islamic Jihad met separately in the Egyptian capital on Wednesday. These talks will focus on organizing the elections and the conditions for participation by Palestinian movements. Hamas and Islamic Jihad are currently excluded from the electoral process because they do not recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people and have not adhered to its political program, which includes recognizing Israel. Rajoub had previously expressed significant doubts in September about the elections proceeding as planned, advocating for national dialogue among major factions and prioritizing presidential elections first. The last Palestinian legislative elections were held in 2006, resulting in a Hamas victory over Fatah, which led to a deep political and territorial division between the two movements.