Palestinian election campaigns heat up

What We’re Reading

Palestinian politics

Fatah said to beg Abbas: Cancel local elections, Hamas will win West Bank,

According to local opinion polls and political experts, Hamas — which has been enjoying unusual popularity in the West Bank and maintains a strong base of support in Gaza — is expected to make significant gains in the upcoming elections for local councils.

In Hebron, Fatah faces a civil war at the polls,

“While Hamas has a low profile, and just as low stakes, in upcoming local elections, its Palestinian rival is trying to keep other moderates from splitting the secular vote, and preparing for the worst if it doesn‘t succeed,” writes Avi Issacharoff.

Palestinian politicians anxious to hit campaign trail after 11 years,

In the Gaza Strip, where the last local council elections were held in 2005, political parties are launching their campaigns a little early.

Social media becomes electoral war zone for Hamas, Fatah,

“The official local council electoral campaign begins Sept. 24, but Hamas supporters have already launched several social media campaigns, with big banners spread across Gaza, which raises questions about their capabilities and influence,” writes Asmaa al-Ghoul

Peace process

Amid talk of new peace pushes, Palestinians hold firm to preconditions,

Palestinian officials rejected a recent US proposal for a trilateral peace summit with Israel, a Palestinian official said on Sunday, amid reports that efforts for possible talks hosted by Moscow were pushing forward.

Opinion: Now is the time for a regional Arab-Israeli settlement,

“A peace deal would mean an improved geostrategic and economic outlook, and a much brighter future for all countries in the region,” writes Michal Yaari.

Occupation/Human rights

Following orders: How the IDF eliminates 'quiet' in the West Bank,

“When the occupation seems to becomes a bit too ‘quiet,’ the Israeli military is always there to fully contain and eliminate the threat,” writes Talal Jabari.

Give arrested aid worker fair trial, Amnesty tells Israel,

Amnesty International on Monday called on Israel to give an aid worker charged with aiding the Islamist movement Hamas a “fair and open trial”, citing allegations of abuse in custody.

Israel: Eviction plan violates Palestinian land rights,

“A new settlers’ relocation plan raises questions over Israel’s claim of respecting private property of Palestinians,” writes Nigel Wilson.

The stark difference between Israeli and Arab schools on the same side of the separation barrier,

“Just five minutes from Kfar Saba, under full Israeli control, children from the village Arab a-Ramadin will attend a school made of clay, without electricity, and most certainly without computers. All my years as a teacher and administrator couldn’t have prepared me for this place,” writes Eitan Kalinski.