The move would prevent Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of two governing Palestinian groups, from traveling to the United States next week for the United Nations General Assembly.

The fierce retaliation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to the new restrictions is a reflection of his tough re-election fight, analysts say.

If Western supporters of the Palestinians want to help Gaza, denounce Hamas.

Intensifying restrictions have hit every part of the territory’s dealings, spurring worries about whether the Palestinian Authority can remain solvent.

Two Israeli financial firms have long served as partners to Palestinian banks, handling transactions that make possible the West Bank’s imports and exports.

Analysts expressed skepticism that the vote would take place as planned. In 2021, Mahmoud Abbas, the authority’s leader, scheduled and then canceled a similar election.

Critics say the move would help the Israeli military protect increased settlement activity near Palestinian population centers in the West Bank.

Mahmoud Abbas’s years in power have been dogged by accusations of corruption. Many Palestinians yearn for fresh leadership.

Hamas said it was not participating in the municipal elections in Deir al-Balah, set for this weekend. Residents said it was a long-awaited opportunity to address the city’s problems

Hamas has survived waves of killings of its leaders. More than force will be necessary to overturn the Islamic regime of Iran.