It was the PA that blocked the elections. Hamas could have had elections in Gaza but the previous elections were held across the West Bank and Gaza (and IIRC ea

It was the PA that blocked the elections. Hamas could have had elections in Gaza but the previous elections were held across the West Bank and Gaza (and IIRC east Jerusalem). You're probably not aware but despite Hamas winning the previous elections it doesn't control the West Bank. Hamas could have held elections in Gaza and won them. But I mean Putin also holds elections in Russia and wins them Egypt and Syria also used to have "elections". Interestingly enough Putin might actually also win truly free elections though killing your opponents and removing them from the ballot certainly makes things easier.