Palestinian legislative elections set for Nov 28

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree on July 9, 2026, setting legislative elections for November 28, 2026, which would be the first such vote in the Palestinian territories in two decades. The last legislative elections were held in 2006, when Hamas won, defeating Abbas's Palestine — Fatah party. The Palestine — Palestinian Legislative Council has not met since 2007. The decree calls on Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip to participate. Holding elections is part of reforms demanded by the international community, including the European Union, which supports the Palestine — Palestinian Authority financially. Abbas, 90, has ruled by decree since his term expired in 2009. Previous election plans in 2021 were postponed due to lack of guarantees for voting in Jerusalem. Logistical challenges remain, including Israeli measures in Gaza and Jerusalem. A technocratic committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, is expected to take over in Gaza after Hamas announced it would dissolve its governing administration. Analysts doubt major political change will result.