GAZA CITY — An Al Qaida-aligned cell has declared war on music and
the Internet in the Palestinian Authority.
The group, entitled "Swords of Islam," has claimed responsibility for
attacking stores that offer music and Internet. About a dozen such stores
have been bombed in the Gaza Strip, Middle East Newsline reported.
"The shops were attacked, because they occupy the minds of an entire
generation of youth, who instead of spending their time in holy war and
worship, serve the interests of the Jews and the Crusaders," the group said
in a statement on Nov. 29.
Palestinian sources said Swords of Islam was believed connected to Al
Qaida, particularly fighters who returned from Afghanistan and Iraq over the
last two years. They said Al Qaida has become an increasing influence in the
Gaza Strip amid the failure by the Hamas-led PA to maintain order or provide
services.
Palestinian sources said the stores were struck by rocket-propelled
grenades fired by masked attackers. They said PA police did not make any
arrests.
In the statement, Swords of Islam warned Palestinians against offering
music or Internet services. The group said the targets had been warned
several times to close their businesses.
"But when they did not take the matter seriously, 12 stores were burned
and destroyed," the statement said.
Al Qaida supporters have also forced women in the Gaza Strip to cover
their hair and wear traditional Islamic dress. Swords of Islam said its
members threw acid in the face of a Palestinian woman who failed to cover
her hair.
In another incident, a Palestinian who played his car stereo at night
was attacked by Swords of Islam. The group said operatives bombed the
vehicle.
