RAMALLAH — Hamas has been storing weapons and recruiting
fighters in preparation for a war with Fatah in the West Bank.
Palestinian sources said Hamas fighters have formed units in such cities
as Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah and Tulkarm. They said the units have
stockpiled weapons to confront any Fatah offensive in the West Bank.
"The assessment by Hamas is that Fatah will launch a major assault in
the northern West Bank," a security source said.
On Jan. 6, Fatah and Hamas forces battled in the northern West Bank town
of Jenin, Middle East Newsline reported. Fatah operatives also abducted Nablus Deputy Mayor Mahdi Khamdali,
a Hamas supporter. He was released two days later.
In Ramallah, Fatah gunmen torched six stores owned by Hamas supporters.
Suspected Hamas operatives were reported to have fired toward the car of
former Finance Minister Salam Fayad. Fayad, a critic of Hamas, was not in
the vehicle.
"Right now, Hamas is in the defensive mode in the West Bank," the source
said. "Their aim is to maintain a low profile and preserve their strength."
The sources said Hamas operatives have received hundreds of thousands of
dollars to replenish arms and other supplies. They said Hamas has sought
rocket-propelled grenade systems, widely used in the Gaza Strip.
For its part, Fatah has been recruiting gunmen to bolster its forces in
the West Bank. The sources said the recruitment has taken place in major
cities.