Mahmoud Abbas

“As long as Abbas continues his policy of making payments to terrorists and their families, he cannot expect the international community to simply ignore it," Danon said.

“The US measures may reinforce the argument that the PA’s diplomatic approach and its relationship with Washington have not produced sufficient political results,” Dr. Nabil Kukali told the Post.

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Gadi Zaig - the top stories, clear and concise.

The Ramallah-based think tank predicted Fatah will not secure a parliamentary majority unless opposition forces remain deeply divided.

Since the decision to hold elections was announced, nearly two million Palestinians have responded with renewed hope and registered to participate – close to 90 % of eligible voters. 

The plans, ratified in June after being announced by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas last year, will expand the use of elections to select PNC members.

More than half of Palestinians (55.8%) now view peaceful negotiations as the best way to achieve their national goals, a significant increase from 2023, when only 28% said the same.

PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS: Politically active Palestinians argue that Palestinians must learn to coexist with people they may profoundly disagree with, and do so peacefully.

As Hollywood embraces Barghouti, collective memory is being reshaped to turn a terrorist into a hero.

Abbas could use the time during the postponement to make internal arrangements within his divided faction before Palestinians ever have the opportunity to vote.