Abbas Postpones Palestinian Elections, Blames Israel Amid Internal Power Struggles
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has postponed legislative elections scheduled for November 28, citing deteriorating conditions and blaming Israel. His deputy informed France that the necessary political, security, and economic circumstances were not met, extending over two decades without elections. The postponement is widely seen as a response to the rising influence of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, who are reportedly forming a coalition with former Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan to challenge Abbas.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has postponed legislative elections again, citing deteriorating conditions.
- Abbas's deputy informed France that the necessary political, security, and economic circumstances were not met.
- The postponement extends over 21 years without elections under Abbas's leadership.
- Abbas has attempted to blame Israel for the delay, referencing settler "riots" and withheld funds.
- The primary reason for postponement is believed to be the growing influence of Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
- Hamas and Islamic Jihad are reportedly forming a coalition with former Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan to challenge Abbas.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has once again postponed the Palestinian legislative elections, originally scheduled for November 28, citing deteriorating conditions in the West Bank. Hussein al-Sheikh, Abbas's deputy, informed France that the political, security, and economic circumstances necessary for holding the elections had not materialized. This marks over 21 years without elections under Abbas's leadership.
To justify the delay, Abbas has attempted to blame Israel, referencing alleged "riots" by Jewish residents in the West Bank and Israel's withholding of billions in Palestinian funds. The timing of the postponement, during the week of the anniversary of the October 7th attacks, is also noted. Reports suggest the PA had requested Israeli permission for election committee members to enter East Jerusalem and Gaza, possibly hoping Israel's refusal would provide a pretext for cancellation.
However, the primary reason for the postponement is believed to be the growing political influence of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the West Bank. These groups have reportedly agreed to form an "unexpected electoral coalition" with former Fatah senior official Mohammed Dahlan, aiming to challenge Abbas's rule.
Sources indicate that Hamas and Islamic Jihad hoped to leverage the elections to gain control of the West Bank for the first time, believing their alliance with Dahlan could defeat Abbas. While this plan is now delayed, it may not be entirely abandoned. Abbas, who will turn 91 next month, has not held elections since taking office in 2005, and analysts believe this pattern of delayed elections is likely to continue even after his successor takes over.
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