GAZA - Thousands of Hamas supports hit the streets in celebration this morning after the Islamic movement scored an impressive victory in municipal Gaza elections.
The Hamas won 7 of 10 local councils, according to unofficial results, and 77 seats out of a total of 118.
The results constitute a victory for the Palestinian people and for the struggle against the occupation, Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar said in response to the results.
"The calm won't continue if Israel doesn't change its policy and releases prisoners," he said.
The voter turnout rate was particularly high, with about 80,000 out of the more than 90,000 eligible voters casting their votes.
Among other localities, the Hamas won in the town of Beit Hanoun, often used as a Qassam rocket launching site. As a result, the town became a frequent target of IDF operations.
Hamas is seriously considering the possibility of joining Palestinian Liberation Organization institutions, said leading group figure Sheikh Hassan Yusef.
The question was extensively discussed in recent meetings between group leaders and Abbas, Yusef said.
"The PLO should be the home of all Palestinians," he said, "as long as the movement's institutes are reformed."
US State Department Spokesman Richard Baucher said in response to the victory the US continues to view Hamas as a terror organization.
"Winning the election does not mean you (Hamas) are going to stop the violence," he said. "You stop the violence when you no longer make it a goal."
Baucher said he believes Mahmoud Abbas has proven to be a decisive leader and hoped other Palestinian officials would adopt his approach.
First published: 16:38, 01.28.5