Hamas ambushes convoy of U.S. weapons intended for Abbas agencies
GAZA CITY — Hamas has seized hundreds of U.S.-financed assault
rifles and other weapons from the Palestinian Authority as the Islamic
movement continues to consolidate control over the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian sources said Hamas ambushed a convoy of weapons and
equipment meant for security agencies under the direct control of PA
Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. On May 11, the sources said, Hamas's Executive Force
intercepted a Fatah convoy of three trucks and seized U.S. and other weapons
and equipment.
"Hamas is informed of the movement of security patrols, convoys and just
about anything important in the Fatah-controlled agencies," a Palestinian
source said. "It's just a matter of choosing when to act."
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[On Monday, Interior Minister Hani Al Qawasmeh quit, saying he was not
consulted by Fatah-aligned PA agencies. Al Qawasmeh's responsibilities would
be taken over by Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh.]
A Hamas official confirmed the seizure of U.S. weaponry meant for the
Palestinian National Forces. The United States has launched a $59 million
security plan for Abbas-led forces, but stressed that this would be spent on
non-lethal equipment.
The sources said that over the last week, Hamas has gained control over
virtually the entire Gaza Strip. They said the final step was the expulsion
of Fatah forces from Beit Lahiya and the surrounding area on May 11.
The sources said the U.S.-led effort to bolster Abbas's Presidential
Guard and PNF has failed. They said both of these units have failed to fight
Hamas and were largely restricted to their bases around Gaza City.
In contrast, Hamas has established checkpoints throughout central and
northern Gaza. Over the weekend, Hamas forces assassinated Fatah commander
Baha Abu Jarad, one of 10 people killed in the militia war.
