Hamas bets on Palestinians abroad to influence PNC elections
Hamas has recently stepped up its visits to Palestinian camps abroad, raising questions about the purpose of these visits in light of preparations for Palestinian general elections.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The Hamas leadership has been increasing its visits to Palestinian refugee camps abroad, specifically in Lebanon, in the past month. On Dec. 23, Hamas leader Maher Salah visited the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in Sidon, in southern Lebanon. The visit came as part of Maher’s tour of Palestinian camps across Lebanon to inspect their living conditions.
In a meeting with representatives of Palestinian factions as well as committees representing neighborhoods and civil organizations in the camp, Salah stressed the need to hold Palestinian elections wherever there are Palestinians, including in the diaspora.
On Dec. 8 a delegation from Hamas’ bloc in the Palestinian Legislative Council, led by head of the bloc Mahmoud al-Zahar, toured a number of Palestinian camps in Lebanon, including in Rashidieh camp in the city of Tyre, the Beddawi camp in Tripoli, Ain al-Hilweh and the Wavel Camp in the Bekaa.
On Nov. 29, Khalil al-Haya and Rawhi Mushtaha, both members of Hamas’ political bureau, visited several camps in Lebanon, namely Sabra and Shatila, Bourj el-Barajneh, Rashidieh and Ain al-Hilweh, where they met with representatives of factions and popular committees.
