(Maarivenglish.com) Amit Cohen - Hamas is establishing an army in the Gaza Strip, with the intention of taking over the region following the expected Israeli withdrawal. Hundreds of activists have been recruited to the "popular army," and the militia's leaders are amassing weapons, training warriors, and have decided on a command structure. Army members maintain a constant presence in Gaza streets, emphasizing their intention to fill the vacuum left by the PA. After every successful arms-smuggling operation, Hamas deliberates whether to give the weapons to the popular army or to the Az-a-Din-al-Qassam brigades. The popular army's equipment consists mainly of Kalashnikov rifles and grenades, but also explosive charges, artillery guns, anti-tank missiles, and Qassam rockets.
2004-03-08 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive