The Jerusalem File
The View From the Mideast
RECENT POSTS
MONTHLY ARCHIVES
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
« | Main | It's Almost Over... »
Decisive Battle in Gaza?
June 13, 2007 7:46 AM
By SIMON MCGREGOR-WOOD
Hamas is on the brink of taking over the Gaza Strip. Itâs new armed wing, the so-called âExecutive Forceâ only numbers several thousand but it is well trained, highly motivated and most importantly, well armed.
The fighting has escalated. Before, it was all about targeting military leaders from the other side, Fatah. But the latest round has seen a change. This time Hamas is going for strategic targets. They have attacked and in most cases taken security compounds and buildings previously part of Fatahâs infrastructure in Gaza.
For the last 15 years, Fatah controlled the security forces throughout the Palestinain territories. For the first time that is being challenged by Hamas.
On Tuesday several hundred Hamas gunmen seized a vital security base in the north of Gaza. It overlooks the main north south road that runs the length of The Strip. Over 20 were killed in the fighting. The compound was bombarded by mortars and rockets before the beleaguered defenders surrendered. The victory gives Hamas effective territorial control of all northern Gaza.
President Mahmoud Abbas has accused Hamas of launching a coup. This may not be entirely accurate as the group is still the dominant partner in the National Unity Government and won last yearâs election. But there is no doubt that Hamas is making a concerted effort to dominate Gaza for the first time.
Ceasefires have come and gone. But the fighting has always restarted. The underlying issue is who controls the security forces. Until now senior Fatah commanders have refused to cede power to Hamas. This lies at the heart of the present conflict.
This may be the decisive battle for Gaza. In the West Bank Fatah remains the stronger faction with Hamas on the run from the Israelis. A victory in Gaza for Hamas might create two very separate Palestinian areas. Some Israelis warn of the arrival of Hamastan in Gaza, a territory controlled by political Islam and in conflict with Israel.
June 13, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (0)
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/433071/19268982
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Decisive Battle in Gaza?:
Post a comment
