"We remind them [Fatah] that they planted thorns and they will harvest
regret," Abu Zuhri said.
In 2008, the PA assessed that Hamas was building an alternative
government in the West Bank. The PA asserted that Hamas has formed a social
welfare and educational network that could be expanded should Hamas seize
power.
The Hamas threat was issued amid a PA crackdown on the Islamic
opposition movement. Both Hamas and PA have arrested opposition members,
sparked by a spate of bombings in the Gaza Strip on July 25 in which three
Hamas military officers were killed.
On Aug. 1, Hamas security forces continued to arrest Fatah operatives.
At least 17 Fatah members, including Gaza Gov. Mohammed Al Qudra, were
arrested.
The PA said it would launch a worldwide boycott of Hamas in wake of its
assault on a Fatah-aligned clan in Gaza City. About 200 members of the
Hilles clan, accused of killing the three Hamas officers, fled to Israel on
Aug. 2 to escape Hamas troops.
But the following day, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas ordered Hilles members
to return to the Gaza Strip. At least 34 clan members reentered the Gaza
Strip, where they were promptly arrested by Hamas. Other Fatah members were
expected to be sent to the West Bank town of Jericho.
"After the occupation [Israel] refused to receive most of those who fled
Gaza. Dozens have returned and the Palestinian police have taken them into
custody," Abu Zuhri said.
