A Hamas leader was quoted by PalPress as reporting an intensification of
the dispute between Haniyeh and his rivals. The leader said Hamas military
chief Ahmed Jaabari has joined Siyam and Zahar in pressing for Haniyeh to
resign.
The main argument between Haniyeh and his rivals focused on how to deal
with the PA and Egypt. The leader said Haniyeh, regarded as responsible to
Hamas political bureau chief Khaled Masha'al, has maintained contact with PA
Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.
In late 2007, the sources said, loyalists of Haniyeh and Zahar clashed
in the Shati refugee camp, Gaza City and Dir El Balah. The two sides later
issued reconciliation statements.
In February 2008, Siyam told a news conference in Gaza City that the
Hamas regime had arrested several Palestinians recruited to assassinate
Haniyeh. Siyam blamed the PA for the plot.
"The news conference was a signal to Haniyeh that his days are numbered
and he could be eliminated at any time," the Hamas source said. "Since then,
he has gone underground."
The source said Zahar wants to replace Haniyeh as Hamas prime minister
and eliminate any moderate wing in the Islamic movement. He said Zahar was
part of a plot to kill Haniyeh and blame the PA and Fatah.
"After the assassination we will accuse Fatah of the killing, which will
result in a strong blow against the movement in the Gaza Strip," the Hamas
leader told PalPress. "At that point, we will activate Hamas power in the
West Bank and launch a campaign against Abbas and sabotage the West Bank
leadership."