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Hamas to allow municipal elections in Gaza and the West Bank

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The Palestinian Islamic political party Hamas, which currently governs in Gaza, announced on Friday it would accept the celebration of elections in Gaza and the West Bank.

It has been 11 years since elections were last held in these territories.

“Holding local elections is necessary for Hamas’ interest in reorganizing Palestine and promoting a feeling of belonging,” the organization said in a statement.

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Local bodies were last elected in Gaza in 2005, and no elections have followed due to disagreements between Hamas and the Palestine National Authority, controlled by Fatah, a secular Palestinian party.

The PNA governs in the West Bank, where elections have been held periodically.

Hamas said the democratic process is “essential for Palestinians” and would help “improve and develop” the services they provide to the Palestinian people.

On Thursday, five leftist Palestinian factions announced they would be participating in elections and urged Hamas to allow them and participate as well.