Dahlan courts Gaza, Hamas with vaccine deliveries ahead of elections
Dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan has arranged for the delivery of another shipment of coronavirus vaccines to the Gaza Strip, raising questions about the aid’s link to the upcoming elections.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — On March 11, Gaza received 40,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine from the United Arab Emirates, thanks to the efforts of dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan, who lives in the United Arab Emirates.
Dahlan tweeted on March 10, “The arrival of the new batch that includes 40,000 doses brings the total number of doses [sent to Palestinians] to 60,000. We promise our people to continue every possible effort to provide more.” He explained that the Ministry of Health in Gaza will receive 20,000 doses, while 20,000 others will be sent to the West Bank.
On Feb. 21, Gaza received the first batch of 20,000 doses.
Some analysts linked the increasing frequency of aid from Dahlan to his attempt to increase his popularity in the Gaza Strip ahead of the upcoming Palestinian general elections.
