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Source: https://jcpa.org/pa-and-hamas-vying-for-support-of-palestinian-clans/
PA and Hamas Vying for Support of Palestinian Clans
(Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Khaled Abu Toameh - The Palestinian Authority (PA) and Hamas are competing to win the support of large Palestinian clans in the West Bank and Gaza, in the wake of talk about handing control over Gaza to local clans after the removal of Hamas from power. The PA and Hamas understand that the backing of the clans is crucial for maintaining their control. That's why PA and Hamas leaders have always treated the large families and their leaders with utmost respect. In some instances, clan leaders were elevated to the unofficial position of supreme judges and arbitrators, replacing the official judiciary. Hamas is no longer functioning as a de facto government in Gaza, and most of its security and civilian institutions are in a state of paralysis. According to sources in Gaza, a few clans affiliated with the PA and its ruling Fatah faction have begun challenging Hamas over the past few weeks. These clans, known to have dozens of armed members, began operating as their own law enforcers in some towns and refugee camps in Gaza to prevent looting and other acts of anarchy and lawlessness. The writer, a fellow of the Jerusalem Center, is a veteran Israeli journalist.