Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced plans for legislative elections in November 2026 and presidential elections in early 2027. The last elections were in 2006, and Abbas has ruled by decree since his mandate expired in 2009.
Journalist Alice Froussard, a French freelancer for RFI and Radio France, was denied entry to Israel and subsequently the Palestinian territories on June 10th, despite having necessary authorizations. Both RFI and Radio France expressed indignation and concern, denouncing it as an obstacle to press freedom.
The author, citing their work on a UN commission of inquiry, condemns Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. They urge the Australian government to take concrete actions, including trade sanctions, accountability measures, and humanitarian aid, to fulfill its international law obligations.
Palestinians in the West Bank and Deir El-Balah area of Gaza began voting Saturday in the first municipal elections since the Gaza war began. Nearly 1.5 million people are registered to vote in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, with 70,000 in Gaza. The election features limited political competition with most lists aligned with President Mahmud Abbas's Fatah party or running as independents, while Hamas-affiliated lists are absent. Many cities have only one list submitted, automatically winning without a vote. The election is viewed by some as an exercise in demonstrating continued Palestinian existence rather than meaningful political change.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas hosts back-to-back events promoting a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, positioning the EU as an authority on Gaza's future against Trump's approach. Meanwhile, EU leaders gather in Cyprus to discuss tourism industry challenges, while debate continues over the correct date for EU birthday celebrations.
