The sources said Fatah and the PA have agreed to support weekly
Palestinian clashes with the Israel Army in several villages southwest of
Ramallah. The villages of Balin and Nabi Saleh have been protesting the
Israeli security wall in demonstrations bolstered by scores of foreigners.
The Fatah Revolutionary Council has reached a decision to escalate what
it termed "popular resistance." The decision was endorsed by PA Chairman
Mahmoud Abbas and Fayad, who have called for anti-Israeli demonstrations
throughout the West Bank.
On Jan. 21, Fayad met Fatah activists and urged them to continue
protests. Both Abbas and Fayad have rebuffed U.S. appeals for the PA to
renew peace talks with Israel.
"The PA stood by the popular committees against the wall and
settlements, and will continue to provide support and assistance to enhance
the confidence of the citizen and enhance his ability to withstand and
protect the land and the national project," Fayad said.
The sources said the Fatah and PA campaign aimed to quell rising
support for the opposition Hamas movement. The PA has been arresting Hamas
operatives and harassing politicians, including Islamist members of the
Palestinian Legislative Council.
"There is a lot of anger toward the PA for its failure to draft and
engage in any strategy toward Israel," a Palestinian analyst close to the PA
said. "The feeling is that at least Hamas has a consistent strategy while
the PA and Fatah are only grandstanding."
