RAMALLAH Ñ The ruling Fatah movement is split over whether to
resume attacks within Israel.
Palestinian sources said the dispute pits those around Palestinian
Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat, who want Fatah to limit attacks to Israeli
targets in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and field commanders who want to
expand their operations to the Jewish state.
Meanwhile, Hamas and Islamic Jihad continue their attacks
inside Israel. On Monday, a Palestinian suicide bomber linked to Jihad blew
himself up at a shopping mall in the Israeli city of Kfar Saba. Two Israelis
were killed in the bombing, Middle East Newsline reported.
A group composed of Fatah and Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for
the bombing. The suicide bomber and his sponsors were believed to have come
from the northern West Bank city of Nablus.
The sources said most of Fatah, particularly the junior- and mid-level
membership support a return to attacks inside Israel. These Fatah members
argue that the limitations placed on the movement in July has resulted in a
loss of support. These members also call for cooperation with Hamas and
Jihad in attacks against Israel.
The Fatah leadership has sought a compromise, the sources said. They
said the leadership has approved a resumption of suicide attacks against
Israeli targets in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Israeli security sources said authorities are on high alert for
continued Palestinian suicide missions. The sources said the security
services have obtained information on 57 plots to attack Israeli targets.
In Nablus, two Hamas insurgents were killed when their car exploded on
Monday. Palestinian sources said the bombing was the result of an Israeli
assassination attempt.
