(VOVworld) – The Palestinian government announced on Tuesday that it will delay municipal elections until next year.

Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah (Photo: VNA)

The postponement came a day after the Palestinian high court ruled that the elections will be held only in the West Bank and not in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said the Palestinian cabinet decided to postpone the local elections for up to four months. Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement, rejected the postponement and said the delay and the decision not to hold the polls in Gaza were Fatah maneuverings to avoid an electoral defeat. The elections were initially scheduled for October 8 to choose municipal councils in 416 cities and towns in Gaza and the West Bank.