Palestinian National Council elections and inseparable realities

On 4th June, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas approved the electoral framework for the Palestinian National Council following its adoption by the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The announcement of elections, expected to be held in early November, cannot be separated from a series of developments that began to unfold toward the end of 2024 amid the war in Gaza, growing international calls for action, and renewed momentum behind the recognition of Palestinian statehood. This article traces the diplomatic and political developments that accompanied that shift, as well as the practical measures undertaken by the Palestinian leadership in response. In doing so, it seeks to place the forthcoming National Council elections within their wider context and to better […]