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Source: http://www.tau.ac.il/jcss/tanotes/TAUnotes141.doc
The Intra-Palestinian Dimension of Renewed Violence
(Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies-Tel Aviv University) Anat Kurz - The outburst of Fatah-Hamas violence earlier this month reflected the intensification of the intra-Palestinian power struggle. Both Hamas and Fatah have been preoccupied in recent months with improving their respective positions in advance of the approaching Israeli disengagement, with Hamas aiming to reinforce its claim of having driven Israel out of Gaza by force. Fatah's dilemma stems from the PA's inability to employ its security organs for maximum effect, because vigorous law enforcement measures are likely to further undermine its domestic standing. Even if Hamas does now restrain itself, it has already asserted its decisive role in setting the agenda through the calculated use of violence.