[Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University] Shlomo Brom - The violent confrontation between Hamas and Fatah in Gaza has brought about a significant strengthening of Hamas' control and an almost total elimination of Fatah's presence there. Hundreds of Fatah members have been arrested, including the entire cadre of senior leaders there, and Hamas has taken control of all Fatah assets. The sole challenge remaining to Hamas' uncontested control of Gaza is the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The developments in Gaza strengthened the determination of the PA and Israel to destroy the Hamas infrastructure in the West Bank, and PA forces stepped up arrests of Hamas operatives. Hamas' nearly complete takeover of Gaza gives Israel better tools to manage the conflict because now Hamas bears full responsibility for everything that happens there.
2008-08-05 08:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive