Hamas has thoroughly studied the results of the Tunisian parliamentary elections, which resulted in its Muslim Brotherhood ally, Ennahda, falling to second place.

Hamas eagerly awaited the results on Oct. 26, in light of the war being waged by various Arab regimes against Islamic movements, and given that this was the first election to be held since the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt in July 2013.

Hamas’ follow-up on the Tunisian elections and Ennahda’s decline was aimed at trying to understand the mood of the Arab public opinion toward Islamists in general. In short, it sought to know whether Hamas could face a same scenario if Palestinian elections were held.

Bassem Naim, head of Hamas’ international relations in Gaza, told Al-Monitor, “The situations of Hamas and Ennahda are not equivalent, as each has special situations that do not apply to the other. While Ennahda’s result and decline were affected by civil and administrative criteria, Hamas’ situation is linked to the conflict with the occupier [Israel] and this political aspect dominates its ruling experience.”