Kesher Talk

The shape of a possible Palestinian civil war: Ha'aretz reports today on the power-struggle between Fatah and Hamas in the Gaza Strip:

Shots were fired on Wednesday morning at the home of the most senior Hamas leader in the Strip. This was the climax of a series of incidents that started a few days ago when Hamas flexed its muscles in the Sabra neighborhood, declaring the establishment of a militia.

Fist fights and stabbings ensued, and five people were injured on the Al Azhar University campus in fights between the supporters of the two movements.

On Wednesday morning a Palestinian police officer and his 12-year-old son were shot to death, apparently by Hamas. A few hours later masked men - probably from Fatah - attacked the office of Mustafa Sawaf, a journalist who is affiliated with Hamas. Later on, shots were fired at the home of Hamas activist Abdel-Aziz Rantisi.

Sources in Gaza say these incidents reflect a show of power by Hamas and Fatah before they resume talks within the next few days. The talks are designed to reach a limited halt in Hamas terror attacks, but will also address the role that Hamas will play in the Palestinian government. Hamas is therefore trying to prove its strength now.

posted by Howard @ 12/06/2002 09:36:23 AM