East Jerusalem is a disputed territory with both Palestinians and Israel claiming ownership. Elections are not allowed there due to the conflicting views. The Gaza Strip suffers from high unemployment and poor health services, with people dying while waiting for medical care. Hamas blames the blockade for these issues, but others argue that Hamas is also responsible. Support for Hamas increases after wars but declines during peace. The cycle of wars continues.
The US along with Israel and many of its allies have long considered Hamas a terrorist group. Khaled Al-Hroub, a professor at Northwestern University in Qatar, explains how its reputation is a lot murkier among Palestinians, who elected the group to political power in 2006.
This episode was produced by Haleema Shah and Siona Peterous, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Serena Solin, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.
Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained
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