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Militias Challenge Hamas Effort to Stabilize Gaza Following Takeover

[Ynet News] Ron Ben-Yishai - Armed groups in Gaza are making their own laws and defying Hamas' authority. These are splinter groups that split from Hamas and Fatah in the past, as well as clans that established their own armed militias in order to protect themselves and their criminal business activity. Some of these factions and clans apparently receive aid and funding from organizations affiliated with al-Qaeda. When Hamas attempted to make a gesture and demanded the release of British journalist Alan Johnston, the head of the clan holding him, Mumtaz Durmush, made it clear to them he was the boss and refused to release Johnston. It appears that Hamas does not intend to give in and in the coming days we are likely to see the continuation of armed clashes in Gaza. However, the armed groups Hamas seeks to disarm may attempt to strike at Israeli territory or launch rockets. An Israeli response would force Hamas to contend with the IDF and ease the military pressure on these groups. Israel will apparently also need to act to curb the smuggling that has turned into a flood on the Philadelphi Route between Egypt and Gaza. We are talking about above-ground smuggling through breaches in the wall.
2007-06-20 01:00:00
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