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Many Gazans Regret Their Choice of Hamas

(Slate) Linda Gradstein - Open criticism of Hamas is growing in Gaza. Hamas, which won Palestinian elections in 2006 and then seized sole control of Gaza in June 2007, remains firmly in control. But Israel's boycott of Hamas, which Israel imposed after Hamas captured an Israeli soldier three and a half years ago, is making life in Gaza harder. Despite the frustration, there doesn't seem to be a viable alternative political leadership. Many senior members of the Fatah movement fled after Hamas seized control. Taxi driver Iyad al-Shafi says that he voted for Hamas in 2006 but that if elections were held today, he would look for another party to support. "Nobody likes Fatah because they're corrupt," he said. "But when Fatah was in charge here, people were working and had money. There were no shortages, and, most important of all, we could leave Gaza."
2010-02-26 08:29:52
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