Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said early Friday that the main factions have agreed to delay the first elections planned in 15 years, citing a dispute with Israel over voting in east Jerusalem. Abbas said the Palestinian Authority has repeatedly sought assurances from Israel and called on the European Union to exert pressure, to no avail. (Adel Hana/The Associated Press)The day after U.S. President Joe Biden exhorted Americans to "prove that democracy still works" in an address to Congress, his State Department distanced itself from the Palestinian vote. Israel annexed east Jerusalem in a move not recognized internationally and views the entire city as its capital, barring the Palestinian Authority from operating there. Fatah has said the elections cannot be held without Israel giving express permission for east Jerusalem residents to vote.

Source: CBC News April 29, 2021 22:52 UTC