Hamas leaders say reconciliation no substitute for 'resistance'
Hamas is relieved to be free of the burden of government, and is eager to repair the damage with the Palestinian street.
It seems that the upcoming days will be busy in terms of decision-making within Hamas, following its withdrawal from governing after the reconciliation. It will now devote itself to the challenges of the next stage and repair the damage done to it in previous years.
Hamas’ popularity has been going up and down since it came to power in 2006. These fluctuations came as a result of its failure to meet many of the demands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, in light of the blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt and the cutting of state employees' salaries.
In contrast, the popularity of Hamas has remarkably improved in the West Bank. This was revealed during the funeral of a number of its fighters, whose bodies were handed over by Israel on May 23. The huge marches during the funeral indicated the public return of Hamas in the West Bank, and its presence in the central parts of the West Bank, where its green flags were raised.
Nevertheless, the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research said that, based on a poll from late March, Hamas’ overall popularity was declining.
