EU urges Zionist regime to facilitate polls in Palestine

"The decision to postpone the planned Palestinian elections, including the legislative elections originally scheduled for 22 May, is deeply disappointing," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a written statement.

He reiterated the bloc's "call on Israel to facilitate the holding of such elections across all of the Palestinian territory, including in East Jerusalem (Al-Quds)."

Borrell also called on Palestinian authorities to set a new date for polls "without delay" and encouraged all Palestinian political actors to resume talks.

"We firmly believe that strong, inclusive, accountable and functioning democratic Palestinian institutions based on respect for the rule of law and human rights are vital for the Palestinian people," he added, stressing the EU's commitment towards a two-state solution.

Palestinian Authority Chief Mahmoud Abbas said Thursday they will not hold elections with Al-Quds excluded from voting.

He said the Israeli side had not given an answer to the Palestinian request for holding the polls in the occupied East Al-Quds.

Abbas, however, stressed that once Israel permits elections in Al-Quds, the polls will be hold within a week.

Palestinian territories including the West Bank and East Al-Quds have been under Israeli occupation since 1967.

Like Turkey and much of the international community, the EU does not recognize Israel's sovereignty over these areas.