“The issue of Palestine at its core is a struggle for democracy, the idea that Palestinians choose their own leaders, not the Israelis, not the international community,” said Ms Buttu. “That we ourselves would cancel an election is another dangerous slide.”

Ms Buttu argued that Fatah decided to postpone elections for fear of losing, voter apathy and a concern that running municipal elections without Hamas would put a question mark over the vote’s legitimacy.

Hamas, meanwhile, had decided not to run because they too feared a poor result, she said.

“Everything is caught up in the reconciliation process between Fatah and Hamas,” said Ms Buttu, chances for which, she added, are as “remote as ever”.