[Jerusalem Post] Yaakov Katz and Khaled Abu Toameh - As negotiations over the release of kidnapped IDF Cpl. Gilad Shalit continue, grave concern was expressed within the Israeli defense establishment on Wednesday over the growing rift within Hamas, which officials warned could jeopardize the deal. Hamas is seen to have split into three central groups. The first is led by Khaled Mashaal, the exiled political leader based in Damascus. The second group is led by former Interior Minister Said Siam, former Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar, and former Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri, who enjoy the backing of many members of Hamas' armed wing, Izaddin Kassam. The "rejectionists" accuse Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh and Mashaal of betraying Hamas voters by agreeing to form a coalition with Fatah. They argue that the Mecca agreement is a plot designed to remove Hamas from power. The third group is led by Ahmed Jaabri - the Hamas "Chief of Staff" in Gaza - believed to have directed and carried out Shalit's abduction in June.
2007-04-12 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive