FATAH’S old demons — lack of leadership, petty quarrelling, corruption — have contributed to its dismal showing in the fight against Hamas in Gaza.

The Palestinian interior minister, Said Siyam of Hamas, pledged that the new government will pacify the chaotic Gaza Strip after a weekend of deadly violence between rival groups, but he appealed for patience.

The ruling Fatah Party and the Islamic Hamas group today made impassioned last-minute appeals for support on the final day of campaigning in the Palestinian parliamentary elections.

THE militant group Hamas yesterday agreed to co-operate with the Palestinian Authority in ensuring a smooth transition during the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.