Title: Abbas Announces Delay of Palestinian Elections

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced in a televised speech on Thursday the postponement of legislative elections until the participation of East Jerusalem residents is guaranteed. Earlier on Thursday, Abbas had rejected conducting elections without participation from Jerusalem after Israel denied his request for the city's inclusion according to the signed agreements between the two sides. Abbas stated, "In light of this difficult situation, we have decided to postpone the date of the legislative elections until we ensure the participation of Jerusalem and its people in these elections. There is no concession on Jerusalem and no concession on our people's right in Jerusalem to exercise their democratic right."