Palestinian Authority & Gaza Strip

Some Israeli lawmakers demanded that vaccines could be used as a bargaining chip for the release of captives held by the terrorist group.

The rollback in women’s rights could spark a backlash in Gaza at a time when the Palestinians plan to hold elections later this year. It could also solidify Hamas’ support among its conservative base at a time when it faces criticism over living conditions in the territory it has ruled since 2007.

Egyptian daily Al-Masry al-Youm says Tehran has decided to cut its support to the Gaza-based terrorist group over the dire economic crisis. PIJ leaders are said to be furious and turning against each other over the scarce funds.

Over 90% of Gaza City’s 385,000 eligible voters register to vote as Fatah, Hamas reaffirm commitment to holding first parliamentary, presidential elections since 2006.

First Palestinian parliamentary elections set for May 22 but parties are still in disagreement over electoral basics such as how ballot stations will be guarded and how courts will adjudicate election disputes.

Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar warns Israel that if it tries interfering in the upcoming PA parliamentary and Hamas primaries, it will "destroy" the Knesset election scheduled for March 23.

Medical personnel treating coronavirus patients or working in intensive care units are the first to be immunized. Palestinian Health Ministry says it expects delivery of 5,000 doses of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine and 37,000 doses from the COVAX global vaccine-sharing program.

The Gaza-based terrorist group is still undecided whether to vie for the PA presidency in a separate election slated for July 31, Palestinian newspaper Al-Quds reports. 

A video posted to the Facebook page of the Fatah Commission of Information and Culture praises Black September commander Ali Hassan Salameh’s "long arm" and "high intelligence."