"The unity government will be in name only and meant to satisfy Saudi
Arabia, who has promised plenty of money," a PA security source said. "It
will have almost no affect on what is taking place on the ground."
Palestinian Authority security sources said Fatah and Hamas plan to
build up their militias despite any joint government, Middle East Newsline reported. They said both
movements were rearming and training in expectation of major clashes in the
Gaza Strip over the next month.
On March 17, the Palestinian Legislative Council was expected to approve
the 25-minister Fatah-Hamas government. The government was the result of a
Saudi-arranged agreement for a joint Cabinet on Feb. 8.
"We hope that this government will mark the start of a new era and
enable us to turn the page," Prime Minister-designate Ismail Haniyeh, a
Hamas leader, said. "We are going to do everything in our power to
strengthen national unity, obtain a lifting of the siege imposed on the
Palestinian people and improve our links with the international community."
Hani Al Qawasmi has been named interior minister and responsible for
several of the PA security forces. Qawasmi, described as an independent, has
no experience in security and was not expected to closely supervise PA
forces.
"If Hamas and Fatah cooperate, the task of the interior minister will be
much easier, because the rehabilitation of the security services and the
return of security and safety to the Palestinian
street will be the priority of the entire government," Fatah security chief
Mohammed Dahlan said.
On late March 14, Fatah and Hamas engaged in a gun battle in the
northern Gaza Strip. A Fatah fighter was killed and nine others were
injured. The sources said 12 Palestinians -- including Fatah and Hamas
operatives -- were abducted.
The Fatah casualty was identified as Mohammed Temeh, a 25-year-old
operative of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. Palestinian sources said Temeh
was injured in a shootout in Beit Lahiya.
The sources said Fatah and Hamas have been battling throughout the
northern Gaza Strip. They said northern Gaza was the last bastion of the
Fatah movement in the PA district. On Friday, an officer of the Presidential
Guard was killed in the Gaza Strip, apparently by Hamas operatives.
"Hamas plans to take over the entire Gaza Strip regardless of the Mecca
agreement," the PA source said.
