Hamas and Fatah step up Gaza power struggle amid renewed violence
Three Hamas men killed; Hamas announces plan to double Gaza militia after Abbas brands force 'illegal.'
By Avi Issacharoff and Amos HarelThe power struggle between Fatah and Hamas in the Gaza Strip intensified Saturday, with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas describing the paramilitary forces of Hamas as "illegal," only for the group to announce plans to increase the size of its force to 12,000.
Islam Shihuan, spokesman for the Hamas Executive Force, said Saturday that the force would be doubled and that "conscription has begun and we are calling on every loyal citizen to prepare himself to join the force." The Executive Force is independent of the more veteran Hamas military wing, Iz al-Din al-Qassam.
Several months ago, Abbas agreed to include the Executive Force in the ranks of forces controlled by the Interior Ministry. However, following an attack by members of the Hamas force against the home of a Fatah security commander in Gaza, killing him and seven of his bodyguards, Abbas decided to label the Executive Force as "outside the law."
Abbas' office said the decision was made "in light of the continued security chaos and assassinations that got to a number of our fighters ... and in light of the failure of existing agencies and security apparatuses in imposing law and order and protecting the security of the citizens."
Speaking to reporters later, Abbas said the force is illegal. "Creating any force needs a decree and this decree has not been issued. Anyone who says this is an independent force is going against the law and the constitution," he said in Bethlehem.
Interior Ministry spokesman Khaled Abu Hilal said Abbas' decree cleared the way for new attacks on Hamas men. He called the decision "a green light to those who seek to shed the blood of Executive Force members" and said the unit would "deal firmly" with anyone who attacks its men.
Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas said the militia is legal and would continue to report to the Interior Ministry.
"I am becoming completely convinced that there are those who don't want the Palestinian scene to enjoy calm and stability or to create the appropriate atmosphere for starting serious and deep dialogue aimed at reaching a national unity government," he said.
Meanwhile, three Hamas militants were killed and five were wounded Saturday evening in Gaza clashes with members of a family linked to Fatah.
The three, all members of the the Diri family, were killed in an exchange of fire between Hamas and members of the Durmush family in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City.
In the West Bank city of Nablus, an An-Najah National University lecturer affiliated with Hamas was wounded by six militants apparently belonging to the Fatah-linked Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.
Fighting between Abbas's Fatah faction and Hamas has surged since talks on forming a unity government collapsed and Abbas called for early parliamentary and presidential elections. Hamas accused Abbas of mounting a coup.
Late Saturday, Abbas' office said he spoke to United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, briefing her on the current situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip ahead of her upcoming visit.
In Egypt, President Hosni Mubarak called on the Palestinians to urgently halt their fighting. Mubarak urged factions to "place Palestinian interests above any other considerations and work together," the official MENA news agency said.
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well put. it says it all.
Answer; from Iran, Qatar, and any other Sunni Arab State that feels sympathy for Hamas. 35 million on the last visit to Syria and Iran.
The immoral foreign interventions in the Palestinian affairs are leading to the nasty civil war. Haniyeh is used by his outsided controllers. He is not dignified to admit it to himself. Intelligence is not equal with honesty. And his faith is no help to find his honesty. The same tragic figures had made life for Serbs, Russians, Persians miserable. Equally, the journalist and TV reporters are guilty to fuel this chaos. Their work is immoral. An honest reporter could change the atmosphere. Just it is one the most dangerous existence.
Once again, Click see's Israel's hand at work. Of course, one and all realize his vision is distorted by hatred. Hatred, either bordering on insanity or already over the border.
Once again, Click see's Israel's hand at work. Of course, one and all realize his vision is distorted by hatred. Hatred, either bordering on insanity or already over the border.
Does Israel have the right to exist? A yes or a no answer will suffice. But please respond so that I do not have to harass you also as I have harassed Hannah. Her response, incidentally, was a one word: "NO".
Onur, you see right, what clickfool, hannah, Durson do not see, yes sweet, bonbons, and joy when others (especially jews or Israëlis are killed), so unintelligent, when the hole world is going to react and stop blaming Israëlis, stop giving them money for weapons, they are not hungry, if somebody is hungry they think of finding something to eat, not to kill
Do Palestinian have a brain? they want to fight for ever because they feel humiliated (see what happend with the mahomet caricatures) beside a few, i think they want war for ever, in between them or against israëlis, to bad for them, stupidity, and false pride and honour are not going to help much
"The power struggle between Fatah and Hamas in the Gaza Strip intensified Saturday, with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas describing the paramilitary forces(Executive Force) of Hamas as "illegal," only for the group to announce plans to increase the size of its force to 12,000." Soooo, how starving are the Palestinians that Hamas can afford to spend money for 12000 more troops. Hey European Union and UN would-be suppliers of money to Palestinians, take note where your money is going.Now you know where the money taken from Haniyeh was headed. Wise up now, shut up already with your humanitarian cries of woe and keep your money in your pockets.
...trying to resolve differences with their non-Jewish neighbors, e.g. Jordanians, Lebanese. The same way, through violence...!
The effectiveness and manner in which these murders were carried out clearly points to the Mossad and it's brigade of "Duv Dovine" thugs. Israel must not be allowed to continuously get away with these murders.
... differences among themselves. Try to think how they would, no, how they have been trying to resolve differences with their neighbors, the Jews before the establishment of the state of Israel, 1948, and the Jewish state after its establishment..... !!! These are our neighbors, for all to see.
you just have proved that you are loyal to the the legacy of terrorist arch Arafat and far fom reaching an agreement. You do not deserve Abbas who wants to do good things. I can not define you even a nation struggling for its dignity and honor but you are a warmonger blood thirsty tribal and primitive people. You danced, celebrated and gave each other sweets when people in America came under attack and were massacred, when israeli bodies were shattered due to suicide attacks,when Sharon become hospitalized, when israeli soldiers were captured, when israel were rained with rockets during the Lebanon war. A culture who is enjoying the sufferings of others, now you kill each other. Where are all the celebrations, shooting in the air, where is Allah akber, does it hurt now?
What a nice greeting coming from beautiful Italy! A wonderful aroma of peace and normality instead of the repetitive, ad absurdum, stink of murderous thoughts from those you mention in the title. A warm saluti to you too! S
I am glad that your are finally becoming aware, Mr. Haniyeh. Suggest you take lessons from American politicians on how to be two-faced and still keep your constituency. You want a national unity government? Lay down your arms, fire your personal army, forget Israel, and and start talking about how to serve your fellow Palestinians intead of murdering them.
Stupidity of the dishonest Israel-Bashers and Jew-Haters has no limits. Actually, I don't think that they believe their inventions themselves. LeIsraelim Shalom Rav VeShavua Tov. Buona fortuna. Saluti. Vittorio