Hamas Wins Gaza Strip Council Vote

The Islamist party Hamas has won control of seven out of 10 councils in the Gaza Strip, dealing a crushing blow to the Fatah party of the Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas.

Voters rejected Fatah's corrupt image and endorsed Hamas for its opposition to Israel and for providing welfare, schools and nurseries to the impoverished residents of the territory. Hamas won 75 out of 118 seats, leaving Fatah with 39.

The result will strengthen those in Hamas who want to reduce its military activities and concentrate on politics, although the group has not yet announced its intention to stand in legislative elections this year.

The militant group has agreed to suspend attacks on Israel while Mr Abbas attempts to restart peace negotiations. Yesterday, Palestinian police were deployed in the centre and south of the Gaza Strip to prevent attacks on Jewish settlements.

Following a call by Mr Abbas for a ceasefire, Israel said yesterday it was sharply reducing its military operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Thousands of Hamas supporters took to the streets of Gaza yesterday to celebrate the victory. Chanting "Hamas is the real way for reform and rebuilding", the supporters waved green flags and distributed sweets.

Muhir al-Masri, a Hamas spokesman, said: "Our people have a consensus on the choice of jihad and resistance and the election has underscored that concept."