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Significance
The Fatah-led PA government has been largely successful in keeping case numbers down. Despite early fears of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, governed by rival Hamas, infection rates there also remain low. Even the threat of COVID-19, however, did little to spur reconciliation between the two parties, which adopted different policies.
Impacts
Security threats may increase, especially around the Gaza Strip.
In the event of a second wave of infections, Hamas would be more likely to try to consolidate its position than reconcile with the PA.
Within Hamas, the strengthened position of relative hardliner Yahya Sinwar may lead to a more confrontational approach towards Israel.
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2020
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