RAMALLAH, November 15, 2026 (WAFA) – The Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) reaffirmed that Palestinian presidential and legislative elections are scheduled to take place in 2027 across the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, with the possibility of holding them earlier if the obstacles facing the process are removed.
The announcement came during a meeting held on Sunday to discuss the latest political and field developments and the growing threats facing the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
The committee stressed that the national priority remains ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent, sovereign Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. It also reaffirmed the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and called for a just and agreed-upon solution to the refugee issue in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 194.
The committee called on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to assume its responsibilities and take practical steps within a clear timetable to implement relevant international resolutions, foremost among them Security Council Resolution 2334. It also urged the implementation of commitments outlined in the New York Declaration, recognition of the State of Palestine by countries that have yet to do so, and support for its full membership in the United Nations.
Regarding Gaza, the committee stressed the need to consolidate the ceasefire, halt ongoing Israeli violations, protect civilians, reopen border crossings and ensure the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid. It also called for advancing the second phase of the process in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2803, leading to a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Strip, enabling the State of Palestine's institutions to assume their responsibilities, and launching recovery and reconstruction efforts.
It reaffirmed that Gaza is an inseparable part of the State of Palestine and that the territorial, national and institutional unity of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, must underpin any future arrangements. The committee categorically rejected any displacement of Palestinians or territorial fragmentation of the Gaza Strip and stressed the need for the Palestinian government and legitimate sovereign institutions to continue fulfilling their responsibilities toward the population of Gaza.
On the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), the committee categorically rejected any measures that would undermine the agency's mandate, alter or reduce its responsibilities, transfer them to other bodies, or cut its workforce.
It stressed the need to enable UNRWA to carry out its full mandate, as granted by the UN General Assembly, across all its areas of operation, including Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, until a just and agreed-upon solution to the Palestinian refugee issue is reached in accordance with Resolution 194.
The committee urged donor countries to provide adequate and sustainable funding for the agency and called on Israel, as the occupying power, to lift restrictions on its operations and respect UN privileges and immunities.
Regarding the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the committee warned of accelerating settlement expansion and annexation plans, particularly the E1 project, which threatens to isolate Jerusalem from its Palestinian surroundings and sever geographical continuity between the northern and southern West Bank.
The committee called for international protection for Palestinians, preservation of the historical and legal status of holy sites in Jerusalem and Hebron and throughout the occupied territory, accountability for those responsible for violations, and the release of withheld Palestinian clearance revenues and the resumption of their regular transfer.
Addressing the results of the Israeli elections, the committee said its position toward any incoming Israeli government would be determined by its policies and actions on the ground, particularly whether it halts settlement expansion, annexation and colonist violence, implements UN Security Council resolutions 2803 and 2334, respects Palestinian self-determination, and engages in a serious political process aimed at ending the occupation and achieving peace based on the two-state solution.
In light of the US midterm election results, the committee stressed the importance of continuing engagement with the US administration, both chambers of Congress and various political forces in the country. It called on Washington to use its influence to halt unilateral Israeli measures, ensure implementation of Security Council resolutions, and support a political process leading to US recognition of the State of Palestine and its establishment in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, paving the way for a just and lasting peace.
On Palestinian national dialogue, the committee stressed the need to continue discussions with the participation of all Palestinian political forces and factions, while adhering to the PLO's political program and international commitments as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
It also reaffirmed the importance of adhering to international legitimacy and unifying institutions under the principles of one state, one law and one legitimate armed force, describing these as essential pillars for strengthening Palestinian unity and the people's ability to confront current challenges.
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