GAZA CITY — Fatah and Hamas have resumed their militia war over
control of training grounds in the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian sources said Fatah and Hamas have renewed fighting over
training grounds in Gaza City. They said both militias have increased
training and equipping of their forces in wake of the Mecca agreement that
stipulated the establishment of a unity government in the Palestinian
Authority.
On Monday, Fatah and Hamas fighters exchanged fire in Gaza City. A Fatah operative was injured after he and
his colleagues demanded that Hamas fighters leave the facility.
[In Washington, the State Department, amid opposition in Congress, has
backed away from plans to provide U.S. aid to PA security forces. On Monday,
State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said the proposed $86 million to
PA security agencies depends on assurances from PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas
that the money would not benefit Hamas militias.]
Fatah and Hamas control separate agencies of the PA. Hamas has operated
the Interior Ministry, but in 2006, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, leader of the
Fatah movement, removed several agencies from the ministry and placed them
under his control.
Fatah and Hamas have been attacking each other's officers as the two
movements fail to agree on a joint Cabinet. In one incident, suspected Hamas
operatives fired toward a senior PA security officer aligned with Fatah.
Another gun battle took place at PA police headquarters in Gaza City.
Nobody was injured in Monday's incident.
