Hamas makes strong showing in local elections
Hamas – regarded as a terror group by Israel and the West – made a strong showing in West Bank local elections – the first time the Islamic militant group competed at the polls.
The apparent drop in the popularity of the ruling Fatah movement comes at a time when Fatah leaders are pushing to resume peace talks with Israel.
Hamas is pledged to Israel’s destruction and opposes negotiations.
Elections for local councils were held in 26 communities on Thursday, with some 150,000 eligible voters choosing from among more than 800 candidates.
According to preliminary results, Fatah movement won a majority of council seats in 14 towns, while Hamas took control in nine communities.
In two towns, a joint Hamas-Fatah slate won, indicating that the rivalry was at times blunted by local issues and clan loyalties.
The outcome of the vote in one community, Yabed, was not immediately available.
