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Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/17/AR2005081701029.html
Israeli Ambassador Says Hamas Gaining Strength
(AP/Washington Post) Barry Schweid - The Palestinian group Hamas is engaged in a massive buildup of manpower and weapons and must be dismantled by Mahmoud Abbas' Palestinian Authority, Israeli Ambassador Daniel Ayalon says. "They have taken a tactical decision to keep terror on a low flame but not stop it entirely," Ayalon said of Hamas. "But we observe a very massive buildup with recruitment and training of new terrorists, of mobilizing more financial support and explosive munitions, and having the cells ready and the chain of command ready," Ayalon said. Does the PA have the means to take on Hamas? "Absolutely. The Palestinian Authority has the support of the Palestinian people and has the manpower and weapons. There are 60,000 security people on the payroll, and that outnumbers Hamas 30 to 1," Ayalon said.