Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, head of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, is signaling some of the discomfort Palestinian Christians and moderate Palestinian Muslims are feeling over HAMAS’s recent parliamentary victory:
Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, head of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, said the Hamas movement’s willingness to use terrorism for political ends was one of the most troubling elements.
He said he hoped governing would prove to be a moderating experience for Hamas leaders, who will now have to learn the art of compromise.
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Father Pizzaballa said he thought the Hamas victory was caused by a “strong protest vote” reflecting popular dissatisfaction over internal politics and corruption, dim economic prospects and a breakdown in public order.
Time will tell.