Gaza’s ruling militant group Hamas said that there was a cross-factional agreement to hold elections in the besieged enclave, which would be the first in 18 years. Speaking to local Palestinian outlet Quds News, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said that a meeting was held with Palestine’s Central Elections Committee and the armed factions in the Gaza Strip. “There was a consensus that the atmosphere was very positive in the Gaza Strip and the conditions were completely favorable for holding these elections,” Mr. Qassem said.
