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How Palestinian factions are capitalizing on the unrest

Palestinian factions are taking advantage of the popular uprising to restore some of their dwindling popularity on the Palestinian street by diplomatically refusing to take a leadership role.
A Palestinian boy wears a Hamas headband during an anti Israel rally, in the central Gaza Strip October 23, 2015. Palestinian factions called for mass rallies against Israel in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem in a "day of rage" on Friday, as world and regional powers pressed on with talks to try to end more than three weeks of bloodshed. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa - RTS5SBH
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The Palestinian factions are still refusing to officially participate in the uprising taking place in the occupied territories since the beginning of October. Perhaps they prefer to preserve its spontaneous dimension and popular character without directing it through a field command or organized political leadership, despite the increasing calls from some Palestinian parties for such efforts.

According to an opinion poll that was published by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in Ramallah on Oct. 6, Fatah’s popularity has decreased in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to 35% from 39% three months ago. Hamas’ popularity increased in the West Bank to 39% from 35% and slightly decreased in Gaza, dropping to 34% from 39% three months ago.

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