Gary Fitleberg, December 26, 2004

Hamas won nine of 26 municipal elections in the disputed territories of Judea and Samaria (wrongfully called "West Bank"), suggesting stronger support for the terrorist group than was anticipated.

The elections were in communities considered to be strongholds of Fatah, the mainstream Arab "Palestinian" movement and the party of Mahmoud Abbas, the moderate candidate favored to win Jan. 9 elections.

Fatah won 14 elections and joint Hamas/Fatah slates won two seats. The outcome in one community was not immediate available, according to results published by the Associated Press.

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2004 Gary Fitleberg