GAZA, Aug. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) decided to postpone municipal elections in 27 districts in the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank that are located in areas due to be evacuated by Israel, a senior Palestinian official said on Tuesday.

    Jamal Al-Shobaki, chief of the highest committee of the municipal elections, told reporters that the decision of postponing the elections in the districts came after talks with the Palestinian cabinet.

    He said that the elections were originally slated for Sept. 29, adding these areas have been under closure since Monday and Palestinian residents are not able to move freely in the areas.

    He said the elections in the remaining 105 districts will be held on Sept. 29 as scheduled.

    Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said on Monday that the third stage of local elections will be held in late September, when Israel will finalize its evacuation plan.

    The Israeli army began formal implementation of the disengagement plan Monday morning.

    Under the disengagement plan put forward by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Israel will withdraw from all Gaza settlements and four of about 120 in the West Bank. Enditem