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Hamas to come out on top in Gaza?

Posted: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 10:01 AM
Filed Under:

By Tom Aspell, NBC News Correspondent

Eighteen months after defeating Fatah in legislative elections the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas is poised to take military control of the Gaza Strip after a month of street battles. 

Fatah, founded by the late Yasser Arafat, has been fielding units from police forces and some elite guard units in the fight with Hamas, but the Islamists have proved to be better disciplined. Hamas has been well supplied with weapons, communications equipment, vehicles and fuel.

Hamas has also proved to be more nimble in urban warfare. Its fighters now control both ends of the Gaza Strip. Fatah forces are largely confined to police stations and camps while Hamas gunmen surround them with firing teams based on high buildings.

Hamas has nearly 20,000 men mobilized for this fight. Some of Fatah's forces have been trained and equipped by the United States (with Israeli approval), but they appear to lack motivation.

In Gaza City, Hamas has demanded Fatah surrender control of government offices; there have already been attacks against the security headquarters established in the city in 1994 after Israel pulled out of Gaza and handed control to Arafat.  The compound of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also has been threatened. Abbas is not in Gaza where Egyptian-mediated truce talks have proved ineffective.

Abbas and Fatah are backed by the United States. Hamas draws its support from Iran and Islamist organizations throughout the Mideast.

Worst fighting to date
About 100 Palestinians including civilians, politicians and fighters from both sides have been killed in Gaza over the past five weeks. Some have died in shootouts between rival groups showing up at hospitals treating their wounded.

An independent Palestinian source reached by telephone in Gaza's southern town of Khan Younis says this is the worst fighting the Gaza Strip has ever experienced. He and his family and neighbors have been trapped inside their houses for days now. They report Hamas fighters on every rooftop overlooking key streets in the town. People still have food and electricity and spend their days glued to television and radio. 

Both Hamas and Fatah operate broadcasting centers in Gaza and the airwaves are full of unverifiable propaganda. But people report a firm sense that Hamas is winning this war, and that the Islamist leadership appears determined to totally overcome Fatah in the Gaza Strip within the next few days.

While Hamas takes control of the Gaza Strip, Fatah is moving to cement its hold over Palestinians on the West Bank. Today Fatah forces stormed Hamas offices in the city of Ramallah, and have threatened to target Hamas politicians on the West Bank in retaliation for losses in the battle of Gaza.

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Comments

This has to be a dream come true for Israel. I mean, these people can't even unite themselves, but they want to have their own country! Hamas will take Gaza, and Fatah will take a small portion of the West Bank. So instead of the palestinians having one country they will be split into 2 weaker countries. That is if they don't kill each other first.

Trip (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 12:20 PM)

Part of the birth pangs of independence is resolving command and control amongst rival militias and unifying under a single army. Israel herself went through this process in 1948 as rival militias (e.g., Irgun, Hagannah, the Stern Gang) were forced to disband and a single army (IDF) was formed. Indeed, the IDF had to attack Irgun irregulars who tried to smuggle in arms after independence was declared. So, while Israel might prefer Fatah over Hamsa, at the end of the day the Palestinians need to have a single governmnt with a single army that will ultimately have to negotiae with Israel if a Palestinain State is to be born.

David S. Kasdan, Cortlandt Manor, NY (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 1:07 PM)

As I sit in the comfort of my home. It is hard to attach oneself to the issues of the world. It is hard to achieve peace with out a plan. I have tried to find a plan but have had no luck. So let me offer up a suggestion.. Bring the leaders and families of all the factions to my house for a Bar-b-Que. I can cook a goat, chicken, Camel, what ever I am a great cook, and sit down and talk. It's hard to hold a grudge when the children are playing and religion is left at the door with a pulled bbq sandwich and a cool lemonaid in your hand. The children's innocence and a better life is what I think we all fight for. This is gang warfare, and some people are not confortable with the notion of having a corrupt gang, with nothing to lose, with a devote sense of religion that is not yours, run their Govt. So I say unify... Fatah is the Political arm, Hamas is the Military. Why wouldnt that work for the betterment of the children there? Easy enough said... Impossiable to do... WHY? How would you feel if you killed the person that could have cured world hunger, or some energy solution?

Dwight Finney , Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 1:50 PM)

I am not an expert on this sort of thing, but it almost looks like Syria and Iran backed troulble makers are trying to put Israel between a rock and a hard place. This is the sort of thing that could realy start what has been in the works for a long time. I am afraid that this is the last straw before all out war breaks out. this is why their will never be any peace in that part of the world.with Palestine being money starved you have to ask the question where is the money coming from to arm all these people. we know what the war is costing us, so what are all these actions costing them and where does it come from if not Syria and Iran.Their president comes here and says the palestinian people are in need of our support (money)but it seems they have been spending it on weapons and not on the people.So lets try something else.NO MONEY TO ANY COUNTRY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.LETS TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN AND LET THEM EAT THE BULLETS THEY SEEM TO HAVE PLENTY OF.Stop looking for peace and let the Jews do what they do and don't hold them back.they are in the worst position any people can be in. No matter who wins they lose.WHAT A MESS. THEY CAN'T MAKE PEACE SO GIVE THEM HELL.

john florida (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 1:54 PM)

Isn't it totally possible that Israel is paying both Hamas and Fatah to kill each other? Sure Hamas and also some members of Fatah have fired crude rockets into the Israeli side, but it's obvious to all who this near-civil war is going to benefit the most.

John Bosto (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 3:09 PM)

I agree with John. But I would like to keep supporting Israel. But let Hamas and Fatah go at it. Like John said, they ask the UN and us for humanitarian aid while they spend the money their country makes to pay Iran and Syria for training and weapons. I am telling all of y'all right now, there is going to be a huge uprisisng of the so called "nation of Islam". And it is the new Hitler/Lenin. They (Islamic/Muslim Extremists) are the Axis Powers. My God, they raise their kids from birth to hate Jews and Westerners. This situation is past who's fault it is. Same with Iraq and Afghanistan. It is way past WMD deception and all reasons for war. THe bottom line is that we got one coming. Bottom line, let them weaken each other, that way we and coalition forces have ittle to no resistance.

Kyle. Greenwood, South Carolina (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 3:31 PM)

I am in gaza city right now and it is difficult to communicate how difficult and disorienting life is when this sort of violence occurs. However, it is inspiring to see people go on with their lives--spend time with their families, eat, drink a cup of coffee...all the while with guns going off outside their houses. I think its important to remember that most people here are trying to live their lives as normally as possible within a context where 'normal' has almost never existed. Gaza is a complicated place and while its tempting to see the conflict within Kyle's larger us vs. them or good vs. evil narrative, I think we could all benefit from seeing people here as not much different than ourselves. This would surely help us better contextualize the conflict between Hamas and Fatah--one that takes place within a very long history of occupation, violence, and the deterioration of people's sense of dignity.

chris rogers, boston, MA--from gaza city (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 4:54 PM)

The senseless killings are a complete nightmare for the Palestinian people. Their history wrought with external conflict have always prided themselves on unity. However, the recent democratic elections have put Hamas in control. Ironically, this is perceived to be a threat to the West who constantly rally to the democratic battle cry. It seems by this example that the US/Israel alliance are fighting democracy vis a vis a corrupted and outdated Palestinian political party. Yet as always seems to be the case in this conflict, it is the Palestinian people who will pay the ultimate price for there freedom and their struggle for human rights.

Nure Elatari (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 5:00 PM)

Dear Mr.Aspell, With the fighting between Hamas and Fatah continuing to overcome the region I feel very sorry for the people trapped in their homes while the Hamas fighters are on the rooftops over the streets. Neither group will ever surrender to the other. Eventually there has to be an end to this conflict, but it just seems endless to reach that goal. Lets just hope for peace for the innocent civilians living with this each day. Peace to all!

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 5:05 PM)

this is another example of the may 15 prophecy that was noted on lastdaywatchers.blogspot.com

leon davis (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 5:33 PM)

this is another example of the may 15 prophecy that was noted on lastdaywatchers.blogspot.com

leon davis (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 5:34 PM)

Unfortuneately, it certainly is taking on the appearence of a crusade mentality. With the revelations about Iran arming Afghanistan insurgents, news of a radical Palestinian uprising which splits the future Palestian state, further destabilizes the Middle East and provides for that much more inflammation. This area is the Balkans of the 21st century. Beware!

Burt Gass, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 5:55 PM)

Syria and Iran are the doctors and Hamas is the scapel they are using in Gaza, Lebanon and Iraq. At the end of the day the operations will be a seen as a success for them even though the Palestinian, Lebanese and Iraqi patients (the people) died.

ron bradbury, stanwood,wa (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 6:16 PM)

What is happening in Gaza is a harbinger of things to come throughout many Muslim countries and it gives a direct roadmap of what the US should do and for that matter to a lesser degree what ISRAEL should do.Instead of advocating freedom and democracy to countries who are more interested in seeking religious domination of their particular viewpoints,the US should engage in the role of real POLITICK and have an absolutely cynical policy towards the Muslims.The US should seek to maintain that neither side in any of these countries can win and keep them in a perptual stalemate where both are dependent on the US to continue their struggle.If the palestinians and Iraquis dont give a damn about killing each other why should we? We are despised in Iraq because we represent what neither the Shia NOR THE Sunni want ...a free country with democratic institutions that assumes there is such a thing as an IRAQI patriot when there is no such creature.We would be much better leaving and playing each group off aginst the other an dmaking sure that neither could dominate.Then you would se how fast the Sunni and Shia would want us as their friend. As for Israel there is nothing that difficult to understand.Keep out and let them kill each other to their hearts delight.The only thing that will bring them together is Israeli intervention and until their fighting ends there will be no pressure on ISRAEL to do anything. The non-muslim world needs to sit back and let the muslims descend into their own special hell which they have brought upon themselves by years of autocratic rule which that have turned their people into religious fanatics and barbarians. Just exactly why the west should be concerned about a chaotic middle east is a very good question.Like it or not thatis what we are going to have so our policy should be calculated to make the best of that situation rather than wasting our efforts to prevent it.We can keep the opposing muslim forces at a stand-off by not taking sides and making them curry our favor even if that means helping the religious crazies in certain circumstances.When they have slaughtered enough of each other,they should be too tired to create too much trouble for the rest of us. Nice job Mohammed,you will be seeing a lot of your adherents real soon.

david,baltimore (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 6:18 PM)

In the short run, the state of Israel has been spared the battle with Hamas. This Palestinian factions should continue to weaken themselves as the war goes on and Israel could not be happier. But in the long run, Israel should be worried of a Hamas victory. Hamas is more militant and disciplined than the Fatah faction that is absolutely corrupt. Israel would not like a strong Hamas to emerge from this anarchy. how can the Palestinians agitate for a country of theirs when they cannot live amicably within themselves. The best policy in the Middle East especially as it affects Palestinians and Israel is to allow them to fight themselves to stupor. This is not only the best foreign policy but also would help the world manage its scarce resources.

Sandose, Lubbock, Texas (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 6:28 PM)

If the Palestinians can't get along with each other, why do we think they can get along with Israel or anyone else? Apparently it's bred into these people to love to kill and fight. They don't deserve a free state.

Tom, Salisbury NC (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 6:32 PM)

push israel into the sea --

t j gretna la (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 7:45 PM)

I hope our current and future leaders will read Sanddose and David's letters. They are right on the money.

dicedice (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 8:44 PM)

Stop, think, and listen, you all are being brain washed by Neo-Cons who have dominated the political arena in the U.S. Look at the homicide rate in America, look at the failing education system in America, look at the growing budget deficit, look at the failing health care system in America, look at the shrinking middle class, look at the number of people living below the poverty line, and all we're worried about is the well being of Israel. Give me a break! Israel is strong enough to protect herself with your tax dollars. Put your money where your mouth is.

Jason E., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Sent Tuesday, June 12, 2007 10:22 PM)

The world could not ask for anything better. If they kill each other at this rate, they will be a non factor in 30 days. The world should just shut up and let the Palestinians finish themselves off. It would be a huge boost for the U.S. economy as well as Israel's economy. Animals will always be animals. That is what they are. Palestinians could not do in 100 years what Israel has done in 50.

David Lage (Sent Wednesday, June 13, 2007 10:12 AM)

The palestinians were at peace when former President Bill Clinton was in office, because he understood their suffering and how the Israeli's stole their land and soul. Now we have President Bush who knows nothing about politics or history and who listens to the advice of Cheney who is corrupt and bloody. Eventually the palestinians are winners, because the hate for the Americans and the Israeli's are growing  worldwide.

A. Khalil (Sent Wednesday, June 13, 2007 11:09 AM)

As I read one the articles:Hamas stages all-out assault on Gaza City
Fatah-allied clan surrenders en masse; Abbas declares, ‘This is madness’
I clicked on: Slide Show.  Photo or frame 5 shows  Fata members parading in the street with guns...Now I'm not a weapons expert of any sort, but don't those rifles look like Amercian made M16's maybe M15. Then I look at photo or frame 6 of the same slide show, and I see Hamas memebers raising their AK's and RPG's. A concerning oberservation?

Chicago (Sent Wednesday, June 13, 2007 2:07 PM)

To Khalil:

Are you telling us that the only way the Palestinians will not kill *themselves* is if there is a supportive
US president?

Sounds like Woody Ellen in "Take the money and run" -

"Give in to my demands or else I will shoot myself...."

John Doe, Seattle, Wash (Sent Wednesday, June 13, 2007 2:20 PM)

Why is it not being reported that the Bush Admin trained and armed Fatah fighters in Gaza... The very same organization claimed to be linked to Al Quida in Lebanon???? The administration can't have it both ways... Yeah, not unless the media fails to connect the dots and report it.

Chris Eldridge (Sent Wednesday, June 13, 2007 2:39 PM)

A.Khalil:
 what has changed in palestine is not our president but yours. Hamas was elected be the palestinian people not by the american president.You voted in a bigger group of thugs and now you see what you have. The people you want to blame are in palestine not the U.S.A. this is one you can't blame on us no matter what you say.the palestinians have had years to see what was good for them and they made a bad choice. Instead of using the political system to undo what they themselves created. they choose guns well guess what people get killed and the idea that our president had anything to do with their election is just silly.It may be fashionable in the middle east to blame the U.S.A. for everything but how do you connect the dots in a palestinian election to the White house??? For once i would like to see someone in that part of the world take the blame and not point the finger in this direction just once.palestine had peace during clinton years but you did not have hamas elected to power either.Let palestine solve palestine's problems. but it wont be long before they involve the UN and that means the U.S. for help.And this is one i want to sit out.It is evident that no matter what we do we are wrong.no matter how much we as taxpayers give it is not enough. There is an old saying that something you ger for free has no value.The only thing that palestine will understand is NO AID. If you are busy finding food you can't make war.you will never learn to take the blame for youreself.they can get guns and bullet and rockets without aid maybe you will spend the money for food and medical supplies instead. all this has proven is that we wasted a fortune for nothing. UNGRATEFUL FOOLS KILL EACH OTHER AND DO IT QUIETLY DON'T BOTHER THE WORLD WITH IT. WE ARE TO WHERE WE DON'T CARE ANY MORE IT'S BEEN TOO LONG.

john florida (Sent Wednesday, June 13, 2007 6:23 PM)

Well just as i said on the 12th fatah is calling for multinational forces (U.S.A.) to come in by declaring a state of emergency. Hamas on the other hand says they have no authority to do that. so now we have a split palestine and they will be trying to kill eachother from here out. We need to stay the hell out of it for now. While this was going on Syria pulled off another murder while nobody was looking.We once again do not need to be involved till it is clear what hamas is realy up to. do they just want gaza or will they once again try a unity government.If they move to gaza they will be taget practice for Israel,and i don't think they are that dumd.now the embargo starts and israel will choke off their supplies as much as they can and the U.N. will cry about the humanitarian desaster that will be used to blame Israel to take the attention off HAMAS and Syria. and around we go again. no global war you say stay tuned and see for yourself.this is the warm up !!!!

john florida (Sent Thursday, June 14, 2007 5:14 PM)

Kyle from South Carolina, david from baltimore, Tom from North Carolina, David Lage, john from florida and others of similar perspectives all speak what I largely feel. Let these muslim extremist nut case terrorists kill each other until they are either all dead, or so sick of killing each other that they finally agree to sit down with each other and make peace with Isreal, accept its right to exist, renounce violence, and work to build a peaceful, democratic Palestine. Yeah, I know, you all are thinking I'm a hopeless optimist! Oh well, maybe Iran, Syria, the madrassa hate funders, and other muslim extremists everywhere wil also come to their senses, and all live in peace. Of course, I still believe in Santa Claus!

rob, oakland, ca (Sent Friday, June 15, 2007 11:00 AM)

Here's a story of how the Israelis over-extend themselves. For years the Israelis played the game of "controlled opposition", with the Palestinian Authority playing that part, while Hamas was the real opposition.

Israelis made sure that the Palestinian Authority was weak. Any weapons coming to them had to be approved.
They gave the PA used AK-47's that had been deliberately cut shorter in order to make them more inaccurate.

Well, this backfired, because Hamas was getting new weapons, that hadn't been lobotomized. The result is that Hamas has kicked the Palestinian Authority puppet regime out of the Gaza strip. LOL. It's just a matter of time before Hamas takes the West Bank as well.

Now that the Israelis see their mistake, they are backpedaling and lifting the embargo they have in the West Bank.

Jason Smith (Sent Saturday, June 16, 2007 11:52 PM)

Bush says Hamas is a terrorist organization. Hamas has vowed the destruction of the state of Isreal. Hamas will take Gaza into further suffering and devastation; its just a matter of how much Israel will tolerate in terms of Hamas attacks before the Israelis act decisively against Hamas.

rob, oakland,ca. (Sent Sunday, June 17, 2007 4:09 PM)



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