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Last update - 14:21 31/12/2008 Fatah loyalists: Gaza op is 'Allah's revenge' for Hamas actions By Avi Issacharoff, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Hamas, Gaza, Israel News  "Anyone who comes out against Hamas - will die," said A., a resident of the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza, and the father of nine. "Many people blame Hamas for the recent deterioration, but they are afraid to say anything," he said. A. sits at home most of the day: "I put my children in the center of the house, and my wife, brothers and I sit in another room. We have no electricity, and there is also no water. The children start crying every time they hear the planes or helicopters overhead, and definitely when there are explosions. Advertisement "All we can do is hug them and calm them. They are afraid to go to the bathroom and the little ones wet themselves every once in a while," he explained. A. is not considered a supporter of any of the Palestinian factions, but his anger with Hamas is discernible in his voice: "Look, most Palestinians will not say anything bad about Hamas. They are afraid for their lives. No one here will try to make any trouble or rebel. Forget about it. We saw what they did to families that tried to contend with them, such as [the] Hilles or Dormush [clans]. They announced on their radio that if anyone 'harms security' - that means tries to challenge them - God will not have mercy on him. But in private conversations you hear the true criticism against them. "Mostly it comes from Fatah activists, such as those whose family members were killed during the Hamas revolution in Gaza. The are saying 'It is Allah's revenge on Hamas for killing our children.' But they also do not understand why Israel is avoiding attacking the Hamas leadership and is concentrating on its soldiers. Most of the senior [officials] of the military wing, Iz al-Din al-Qassam, and the political leadership have not even been scratched. In the meantime what we see are simple Hamas soldiers or women, children and innocent civilians being killed. You are not even trying to attack the senior [officials]." Yet A. does not hide his criticism of Israel. "Your operation is directed against the entire Palestinian people, not just against Hamas. See how many women and children were killed. The majority still blames Israel for the deterioration... What have you gained from the bombings? What is the benefit? You have not achieved anything, except that Hamas' standing in the Palestinian street, the Arab world and even the international community has strengthened." A. says the bombings are not in Israel's interest. "We, the citizens, only want to live, to eat, to drink, to earn a living, no more. We have no bread to feed our older children, and no milk for our younger ones. There is no school. We have electricity for an hour or two a day and then I sit with the children and watch television. And then when the blast comes they start to cry again. We have nowhere to go to, there is nowhere to flee to. It is better to sit at home and wait to die. Now most of the public wants revenge, suicide attacks within Israel as soon as possible." Related articles: Pro-Palestinian activists say Israel Navy fired on protest boat off Gaza shore David Grossman / Is Israel too imprisoned in the familiar ceremony of war? France, Britain look to impose cease-fire in bid to halt Gaza operation UN official says Israel responsible for breaking truce with Gaza Uncertainty and bombing keep Gazans awake and fearful of who will be next Amos Oz: Hamas responsible for outbreak of Gaza violence Gaza hospitals 'overwhelmed' by wounded from IDF strikes No rest for the shell-shocked in Ashkelon shelters Chicago synagogue firebombed; police probe possible link to Gaza violence ANALYSIS / Israel's operation in Gaza is entering its problematic phase IN PICTURES / Firestorm over Gaza WATCH: Israel's attack on Gaza from the missiles' viewpoint Bookmark to del.icio.us   Reviving the Mideast U.S envoy to the Mideast is due to arrive in Israel for talks on boosting a Gaza cease-fire. Iranian uranium London Times: Iran's supply of yellow cake may run out within months.   1.   (MIA) lakshmi`s CLEAN and GREEN gaza 06:41  |  CK Tan 31/12/08   2.   This guy is stupid. The Darmush clan 06:55  |  Rami 31/12/08   3.   He`s right 08:00  |  Gili 31/12/08   4.   To Gili of Montreal 09:57  |  Angel 31/12/08   5.   Abbas is a collaborator 16:41  |  Blackpool Rock 31/12/08   6.   Blackpool Rock #5 17:35  |  Hassan 31/12/08   7.   Angel 12:17  |  lady from USA 25/01/09   8.   Blackpool Rock 12:21  |  lady from USA 25/01/09

Read & React Kadima: Netanyahu-led Israel would clash with Obama Responses: 33 Rabbi Menachem Froman: Can we change Hamas? It's worth a try Responses: 23 R. Pedatzur: Since there was no real war in Gaza, Israel can't declare victory Responses: 11 Gideon Levy: A vote for Livni, Barak or Netanyahu is a vote for an extremist Responses: 12 More Headlines 12:29 Israel to grant legal aid to IDF troops accused of Gaza war crimes 11:27 'U.S. Navy hunting down Iran ships sent to rearm Hamas in Gaza' 11:30 Report: Turkey says Israel must really want peace for it to broker Syria talks again 06:34 Kadima: Netanyahu-led Israel would clash with Obama 06:35 ANALYSIS / Netanyahu's anti-Obama flak jacket 11:44 IDF adds antelope to its arsenal in fight against Hezbollah 09:53 Week after war's end, Gaza residents salvage what they can 06:38 ANALYSIS / Gaza gains have softened Israel stance on Shalit deal 12:10 Will uranium shortage really slow down the Iranian nuclear program? 12:29 Moroccan organizations in Holland agree to attend Auschwitz memorial 11:49 Police detain seven Lieberman associates in money laundering probe 07:58 Mitchell due in Israel Wed. as Obama launches peacemaking efforts 09:02 OPINION / Can we change Hamas? It's worth a try 09:06 Jordan's King Abdullah fires intel chief over Hamas support 04:41 Lesbian mothers embroiled in unprecedented battle for custody of 2 children 08:30 Israel to make 'massive investment' to boost air safety 04:36 Survey shows Israel's poor grew even poorer in 2007-2008 Previous Editions Select Day 23 jan 22 jan 21 jan 20 jan 19 jan 18 jan 16 jan 15 jan 14 jan 13 jan 12 jan 11 jan

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