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Hamas Elections in Gaza - Results and Significance

(Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center) In mid-April 2012, secret elections were held for Hamas' leading institutions in Gaza. The election results indicated an increase in the power and independence of the Hamas leadership in Gaza within the movement, together with a weakening of the external leadership. There was also a rise in the power of Hamas' military-terrorist wing within the Gaza leadership, leading to a blurring of the borders between the terrorist wing and the Hamas government. The elections marked a generational shift in the political bureau: 8 of the 15 new members elected are middle-aged, with some of the old guard leadership forced to step down. One of those elected to the political bureau was Fathi Hamad, who serves as minister of the interior and is responsible for Hamas' internal security apparatuses. He is also involved in terrorist activities, heading a group called "The Defenders of Al-Aqsa," which promotes terrorist attacks against Israel without admitting Hamas' responsibility for them. Palestinian terrorists released from Israeli jails in the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange have been integrated into the movement's leadership in both the political bureau and the General Shura Council.
2012-05-25 00:00:00
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