AL-MAZRAA, West Bank—A bloody 11-day conflict with Israel in spring gave Hamas a jolt of popular support among Palestinians in the West Bank. Now, local elections this week will provide one of the first tests of whether the militant group’s gains are lasting.
The vote for local city councils and mayors is the first election in the West Bank in nearly five years and comes amid a wave of street violence across the territory that has punctuated anger at the Palestinian Authority, the ruling body here. Support for Hamas has risen as Palestinians voice frustration with Fatah, the party that runs the authority, over corruption, public safety and coziness with Israel.
