GAZA CITY — The Fatah movement has adopted Iraqi Sunni tactics in
the emerging insurgency war against the Hamas regime in the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian security sources said Fatah, directed by the Palestinian
Authority and its Western allies, were ordering attacks on Hamas security
forces throughout the Gaza Strip. The sources said the attacks were
comprised largely of improvised explosive devices, a favorite tactic of the
Sunni insurgency in Iraq.
"Fatah has acquired lots of money to hire operatives and buy
explosives," a security source said. "With a large Hamas presence, there are
plenty of targets."
On Thursday, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas issued his first call for the
overthrow of the Hamas regime in the Gaza Strip, Middle East Newsline reported. Despite the Islamic
takeover in June 2007, Abbas had restricted his appeals for Hamas to restore
the PA in the Gaza Strip.
"We have to bring down this gang that forcibly took over the Gaza
Strip," Abbas said in a television address.
Hamas has determined that Fatah was targeting officials and security
facilities in bombing strikes. The sources said Fatah has established secret
bombing facilities around Gaza City, including the Palestinian refugee camp
of Jabalya.
Over the last few days, the sources said, the Hamas regime has arrested
more than 400 Fatah operatives. They said the operatives had been preparing
massive protests and a string of attacks throughout the Gaza Strip.
