The US Supreme Court has rejected a request by the Palestinian Authority and PLO to suspend enforcement of a $655.5 million judgment compensating American families of terror victims.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has decreed legislative elections for November 28, the first since 2006. The vote aims to elect members of the Palestinian Legislative Council, with participation called for in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.
Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the "abolition" of parts of the 1997 Hebron Agreement, transferring Palestinian municipal powers over planning and construction in Hebron. Palestinians decry the move as annexation and a violation of agreements, while Israeli officials cite non-cooperation.
Palestinian authorities held local elections in Deir al-Balah, Gaza and the West Bank — the first election in part of Hamas-run Gaza in over two decades. Turnout was 23% in Gaza and 56% in the West Bank, with results dominated by independents and Fatah. The elections are viewed as a symbolic step toward long-delayed presidential elections and Palestinian statehood, though Israel opposes a Palestinian state and President Abbas has not faced an election in 21 years.
