Fatah Stood to Make Strong Showing in Gaza

(Times of Israel) Avi Issacharoff - Hamas was expected to register nice gains in the West Bank in the now-postponed Palestinian local elections, but Hamas faced a bigger risk in Gaza. In at least four major cities - Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah - there was the impression that Fatah's electoral lists were more popular. As one Gazan analyst said, "If during the 2006 elections [won by Hamas] the people demanded revenge against Fatah, this time the residents of the Strip are looking to settle the score with Hamas" in light of the current deteriorating economic situation and the feeling that Hamas is treating the residents with disdain. "For years we have suffered here from the difficult situation, [and] they run a campaign that says, 'Gaza is more beautiful' under Hamas. They tried to claim Gaza is now better than ever. Obviously, people are angry at them."


2016-09-09 00:00:00

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