Hamas campaign momentum hit a snag with the publication of a fatwa declaring the PA elections contrary to Islam and that Muslims must therefore not vote. According to YNet News, this ruling was issued by leaders of the Islamic Liberation Party:
The ILP has attacked Hamas for its participation, claiming that the elections are taking place in the context of the Oslo agreements, ‘which give up sections of Palestine.’
The ILP also claims that the elections are “part of colonialist game” aimed at integrating Islamic organizations into the political game, as is taking place across the Muslim world.
Most members of the ILP are also members of Hamas, making this “January surprise” particularly delicate.
