Hamas prisoners elect leadership behind bars

Despite being locked away in Israeli prisons, Hamas members elect a new leadership body every two years that wields great influence within the movement and participates in its major decisions.
Members of the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement is greeted by supporters before at the movement's leader Ismail Haniyeh's office in the Gaza Strip on February 28, 2019. - The Hamas leader announced in a press release today the release of four detainees from his group held in Egypt since August 2015. (Photo by MAHMUD HAMS / AFP) (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images)
Members of the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement are greeted by supporters at the movement's leader Ismail Haniyeh's office in the Gaza Strip on Feb. 28, 2019. - MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images
Ahmad Abu Amer.jpg
Ahmad Abu Amer
@ahmedmajd1

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Hamas members incarcerated in Israeli prisons held elections Dec. 10 to choose the leadership body representing them to the Israel Prison Service (IPS). 

The elected members, all prisoners, are in charge of organizing the administrative, cultural, political and financial affairs for Hamas prisoners. 

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.

Videos

See more