Hamas celebrates elections victory, Fatah in shock
Photo: AFP
Al-Aqsa Brigades slam elections results
Dozens of al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades gunmen protest in Gaza's streets, demand resignation of Mahmoud Abbas
Dozens of Palestinian gunmen, members of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, demonstrated Thursday night in Gaza's streets near the Palestinian Legislative Council building.
The gunmen demanded the resignation of PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, as well as the resignation of senior Palestinian security officials.
The gunmen also said that the elections were in effect an anti-Fatah initiative, and have demanded that those who were connected with Fatah's failure resign.
Members of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades said that the situation was extremely tense among the rank and file of the organization, and threats have been made to 'burn the area' and work for the failure of Hamas, if Fatah does not take a central role in the next Palestinian government.
A number of rockets were fired at Israel's Negev region from Gaza by al-Aqsa Brigades members Thursday night.
'Anarchy contributed to failure'
Senior Fatah members have also been accused by the al-Aqsa Brigades of being behind the weapons anarchy and instability in the PA, in a doomed attempt to delay elections. Some members of the al-Aqsa Brigades said that the Fatah top rank knew that the elections would not be delayed, and said that the instability served to make Fatah's failure even more resounding.
The accusations testify to the deep shock and confusion currently reigning within Fatah in recent hours.
Meetings went on into Thursday night in Fatah, with the organization examining the question of joining a Hamas-led government.
Most Fatah members said that Hamas should be allowed to lead the PA alone, since this will force Hamas to face the challenge of securing funds for the Palestinian people, and take part in a political process which will bring an easing of conditions for the Palestinian population.
Fatah members who wish to stay out of the new government say that if Hamas fails to accomplish these goals, the Palestinian population will then 'settle accounts' with Hamas.
