'Deeply disappointing': Australia joins allies in voicing concerns over Palestinian election delays

Key points

• Foreign Minister Penny Wong joined counterparts from Canada, France and the United Kingdom in calling a delay to Palestinian elections deeply disappointing. President Mahmoud Abbas postponed the planned legislative and presidential votes to next year, citing conditions in Gaza and the West Bank.
• The ministers urged the Palestinian Authority to reconsider and hold the elections without further delay. The Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation said Israel's refusal to allow election materials or international observers into Gaza was a key reason.
• The ministers called on Israel to avoid actions that would impede the vote.