More violence coming? Al-Aqsa gunmen in Gaza
Photo: AFP
Hamas, Fatah meeting
Photo: AP
Gaza violence resumes day after Hamas, Fatah pact
Day after Palestinian PM Haniyeh declared series of agreements between Hamas and Fatah Palestinian sources report of failed attempt by Hamas gunmen to assassinate senior member of Fatah’s armed wing in Gaza
Just one day after Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh declared a series of agreements between Hamas and Fatah, which were aimed at ending the bloody clashes on Gaza’s streets, and it already appears that the violence has surfaced once again.
Palestinian sources reported of a failed attempt by Hamas gunmen to assassinate a senior member of Fatah’s armed wing in Gaza early Thursday.
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The sources told Ynet that armed members of Iz al-Din al-Qassam, Hamas’ armed wing, opened fire at a vehicle owned by al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades member Samich al-Madahun as it was traveling near his Beit Lahiya home in north Gaza. Madahun was not riding in the car during the assassination attempt, but his two brothers were injured in the attack; they were evacuated to a nearby hospital.
The incident, according to Palestinians, has raised tensions in the Strip.
“Violence may erupt at any moment,” one source said.
Dozens of armed Fatah members took to the streets, with some saying they would not let the incident pas without a response.
On Wednesday the sides reached an agreement to stop the fighting and set up a permanent committee to deal with crisis situations, but it seems the truce is not being implemented on the ground.
Also on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni announced Israel will transfer part of the tax revenues it has collected on behalf of the Palestinians to the Palestinian Authority. However, the funds will be channeled only to humanitarian projects in the PA, through the special mechanism set up by the international Quartet.
