GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – The ruling Fatah Party and the Islamic militant group Hamas traded bitter accusations and made impassioned last-minute appeals for support Monday on the final day of campaigning for Palestinian parliamentary elections.
With polls showing Wednesday’s election too close to call, Hamas and Fatah signaled an interest in forming a coalition after the vote. Hamas officials said even if they win a majority, they would prefer to hold lower-profile Cabinet posts and to let Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas deal with the Israelis.
That would likely rule out a Hamas-run government, an alarming prospect for Israel and the West that would spell trouble for future peace prospects.
“We will not put obstacles in the way of Abu Mazen, but we want to correct his policy, to support him in how he can bring more rights for the Palestinians,” said Ghazi Hamad, a Hamas ideologue and candidate in Gaza. He referred to Abbas by his nickname.
Across Gaza and the West Bank, Palestinians plastered posters on walls and electric poles, strung up banners and held large rallies to drum up support.
“Don’t let anyone steal your achievements,” Fatah candidate Samir Masharawi told followers in Gaza City. “It’s not a shame to negotiate … It’s a shame to give up.”
Fatah candidates in Gaza joined hundreds of supporters on a pilgrimage to the home of Yasser Arafat, hoping to parlay the memory of the late iconic leader into votes.
Thousands attended a Hamas rally in the West Bank city of Hebron, waving green Hamas flags and posters of leaders killed by Israel in a huge show of strength. In a sign of Islamic conservatism, men and woman stood on opposite sides.
Hamas, known for its suicide bombings and calls for Israel’s destruction, has emerged as a formidable political force. It has attracted voters with a platform stressing clean government and an end to Fatah’s corruption, while pointing to its popular social and education programs.
“The people of Hamas are close to God and their hands are clean,” said Abdel Khalim Amer, a 38-year-old resident of Nablus who plans to vote for the group. Hamas recently won municipal elections in the West Bank city.
With many Palestinians weary after five years of fighting with Israel, Hamas has played down its violent ideology. But appealing to its hard-line core, leaders also say they remain committed to armed struggle.
In a television interview, Abbas said he expects Hamas to accept peace talks and place its arms under government control once it joins parliament.
“What we see is that Hamas may change its views,” he told Al-Arabiya. “It is not enough to come to parliament and say, ‘My positions are not changeable’ … This will not be acceptable.”
Hamas’ participation has created friction with Israel, the U.S. and the European Union – which all brand Hamas a terrorist group.
The United States has said it will not deal with Hamas members who join the government, and U.S. and EU officials have said millions of dollars in aid could be in jeopardy.
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