We take note with disappointment of the decision by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to postpone the parliamentary elections, which were scheduled to take place on 22 May 2021.

It is our firm belief that strong, legitimate, representative and accountable democratic institutions remain key for Palestinian self-determination and state-building, as well as for the future of the two-state solution. We call upon the Palestinian Authority to put forward a new electoral calendar as soon as possible. Alongside our European partners, we stand ready to support free, fair and inclusive elections. We call on Israel to facilitate the holding of such elections across all of the Palestinian territory, including in East Jerusalem, on the basis of past agreements. We encourage all actors to take constructive steps in this regard.