“We are very interested in holding the general elections as quickly as possible, wich is why we issued a presidential decree setting the date, but the Israeli occupation authorities rejected all demands from the international community to hold them in East Jerusalem, as happened in East Jerusalem. all previous elections”, said Mahmoud Abbas, in the written interview with Lusa.
The last general elections in Palestine were scheduled for 2021, but the ANP leader then postponed them indefinitely, citing the Israeli authorities’ refusal to allow them to take place in East Jerusalem, prompting protests from the radical group Hamas., who has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007 and opposes Abbas’ Fatah, which in turn controls the West Bank.
“We have made all the international parties aware of the need to pressure the occupation authorities to allow us to hold elections in East Jerusalem, as in the rest of the Palestinian territories, and, if we are allowed to to do that, we are ready to run them. instantly and without delay”,emphasized the president of the ANP since 2005,when he succeeded the historical leader Yasser Arafat.
the 89-year-old leader of the ANP and Fatah noted that “the political system of the Palestinian Authority allows everyone to participate and present their political vision to the Palestinian people through elections” and promised that the polls will determine the winner ” based on. in the wishes of his family”.
Conversely, regarding the future administration of the Gaza Strip, he insisted that the enclave currently at war is an integral part of the territory of the State of Palestine and falls under its direct obligations and responsibilities, in accordance with the international law”. .
The leader of the ANP pointed out that since the first day of the large-scale Israeli military attack in the Gaza Strip, on October 7 last year, this right has been demanded by its executive and has since been confirmed by the Security Council of United Nations, not only in relation to the cover but also to the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, demanding the complete withdrawal of Israel.
Abbas recalled in this regard that “the Palestinian Government pays the monthly salaries of doctors,teachers,employees and the electricity and water bills for the entire Gaza Strip,and also providing social assistance to more than 300,000 social cases” .
the Gaza strip has been devastated by the intense bombardment by Israel for more than a year, which has already caused more than 44,000 deaths, most of them civilians, according to the local Hamas authorities, in an operation in retaliation for the attack without precedent by the armed Shiites. on israeli soil, were about 1,200 people were killed and another 250 were taken hostage.
Efforts to negotiate a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas have not been accomplished and the management of the territory in the event of a post-war is still unknown, with a warning to the president of the ANP that “every resolution regarding international legitimacy confirms that the vision of a solution of two of them . States based on international law are the right basis for achieving peace and stability in the region.”
In this sense, Mahmoud Abbas claimed that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), “the only legitimate representative of the palestinian people”, went on to sign the agreements with Israel in 1993″, which the PNA gave advanced, but that there were successive governments of Israel. “policies are pursued that undermine the two-state solution” as a basis of understanding.
In addition,he accuses Israel of “abandoning the implementation of obligations in agreements under the auspices of the international community,in particular the United Nations,the United States of America,the Russian Federation and other countries of the world”,so “there is no need for new platforms or agreements”,but the implementation of which has already been decided.
“We have always confirmed that we will adhere to the option of peace and to make political, diplomatic and legal efforts as a way to achieve our legitimate rights, the main one of which is our right to freedom and independence”, he declared.
the war in the gaza Strip led to a spiral of violence in the Middle East,which spread to the West Bank and neighboring Lebanon and attracted the participation of other international actors,such as Iran,and the president of the ANP warns of a secret and the palestinian issue” is the only guarantee that the region will not explode again.
What are the implications of holding elections in East Jerusalem on Palestinian political unity?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Middle Eastern Political Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Leila Nashir,a renowned expert on Middle Eastern politics and electoral processes. Recently, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a presidential decree to hold general elections. Dr. Nashir, what do you think motivated Abbas to push for elections at this moment, especially after the previous delay in 2021?
Dr. Nashir: Thank you for having me. There are several factors at play here. Abbas and the Palestinian Authority (PA) have faced increasing pressure, both internally and externally. The postponement of elections in 2021 created a meaningful legitimacy crisis for the PA, as many Palestinians are frustrated with what they perceive as stagnant leadership. By pushing for elections now, Abbas is trying to re-establish a democratic process and regain some legitimacy.
Editor: Abbas mentioned that the Israeli authorities rejected demands to hold elections in East Jerusalem, wich has been a contentious issue. How does this impact the feasibility of holding elections?
Dr. Nashir: The situation in East Jerusalem is indeed fraught. Typically, elections have been held in the Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, but the Israeli government’s stance complicates matters drastically. Without the ability to hold elections in this crucial area, there’s a significant portion of the Palestinian electorate that may feel disenfranchised. This could lead to unrest and further conflict between factions,notably with Hamas,which has been vocal about opposing Abbas’s leadership.
Editor: Abbas has called on international parties to pressure Israel into allowing elections in East Jerusalem. How effective do you think this international pressure will be?
Dr. Nashir: Historically,international pressure has had mixed results in the Israeli-Palestinian context.While some nations and organizations may support Abbas’s call,the complex nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict means that tangible outcomes often hinge on broader geopolitical considerations. The effectiveness of this pressure will depend greatly on how the international community is perceived to be engaging with both parties and whether they are willing to exert meaningful influence.
Editor: If elections do take place and if Hamas and Fatah are involved, what are the potential outcomes for Palestinian politics?
Dr. Nashir: A truly competitive election could shake up the existing political landscape. if Hamas where to gain more power, it could complicate the peace process and relations with Israel. Conversely, if Abbas and Fatah maintain control, they may still face challenges in gaining the trust of a disillusioned population. Additionally, the post-election period could either lead to unity if a coalition is formed, or deeper dissent if the elections fail to reflect the will of the people.
Editor: There’s also the question of Abbas’s age and tenure. At 89, he has been in power since 2005. How does this affect the perception of his leadership?
Dr. Nashir: Abbas’s age and prolonged leadership undoubtedly factor into the broader frustration among Palestinians regarding their governance. Many view his extended time in office as a barrier to fresh ideas and new leadership.This could also influence voter turnout—if people feel that their votes won’t genuinely lead to change, they might choose to boycott the elections altogether.
Editor: Thank you,Dr. Nashir, for your insights. As events unfold, it will be vital to watch how the situation develops regarding the elections, the reactions from both Palestinian factions, and the international community’s role.
Dr. Nashir: Thank you for having me. It’s certainly a critical moment for Palestinian politics, and the implications are far-reaching, not just within the territories, but in the broader Middle Eastern context.