hamas, palestinian elections

Hamas says will stick to resistance, keep weapons
January 25
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GAZA (Reuters) - Hamas said the militant Islamic group would retain its weapons and its commitment to the destruction of Israel after a Palestinian election on Wednesday in which it is slated to win parliamentary seats for the first time.

"The Europeans and the Americans are telling Hamas to choose between arms and parliament. We say we will go for arms and parliament and there is no contradiction between the two of them," said Ismail Haniya, a senior Hamas leader in Gaza. ... He said Hamas would continue its path of "resistance" against Israeli occupation in the West Bank even as it serves in the Palestinian parliament.... Hamas is riding high on a wave of popularity over its anti-corruption reputation and extensive charity network. ... In contrast, Abbas's Fatah has been hurt by Palestinian disgruntlement over allegations of mismanagement, corruption and chaos by gunmen affiliated with the faction.