(Jerusalem Post) Khaled Abu Toameh - Earlier this week, unidentified gunmen opened fire at the car of Acting Kalkilya Mayor Hashem al-Masri outside his home. A few days earlier, Masri was beaten on the head with a club as he left a mosque. The attacks are believed to be part of a power struggle between Hamas and Fatah. Hamas leaders in the city warned Thursday of a conspiracy designed to oust them from the municipality, which they have been controlling for nearly eight months. "Ever since we won the municipal election, we have been subjected to a campaign of intimidation and incitement by Fatah activists," one Hamas official said. These events are seen as an indication of what awaits Hamas after it forms the cabinet and takes control of the PA. Many are convinced that Fatah members would do their utmost to undermine Hamas' control.
2006-03-24 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive