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Violent weekend in PA feared

Palestinians say security forces to intensify protests over unpaid salaries; Hamas warns of possible revolt

Tensions in the Palestinian Authority are reaching a new high, and various elements have expressed their fear of a particularly violent weekend, this following reports of alleged plans by Palestinian security forces to intensify their activities in protest of the Hamas government’s failure to pay long-due salaries.

 

Workers’ unions are joining the campaign, and Hamas has warned of a possible civil revolt.

 

According to reports, the security forces plan to block roads and hold a violent rally. Tensions between Hamas government’s special security force and the Preventive Security Forces may deteriorate to violent confrontations. Just a few weeks ago 13 Palestinians wee killed in clashes that spilled over into the West Bank.

 

Hamas officials said commanders in the security forces are attempting to overthrow the government, but President Mahmoud Abbas had denied the claims. On Thursday the president met with senior Hamas officials at the Mukata complex in Ramallah and promised that the protests will not develop into an organized coup. 

 

Abbas may disperse parliament

Despite the calming message, Palestinian sources in Gaza report high states of readiness on both sides, pursuant to declarations that professional unions representing teachers and PA clerks intend to intensify their strike.

 

One possibility that the unions are looking into is to declare a civilian rebellion against the government or organized civil disobedience.

 

Hamas sources are worried that Abbas' tour of Arab countries and meetings with Arab leaders are intended to appraise them of his decision to hold a public referendum regarding the future of the Palestinian government.

  

It is estimated that Abbas may disperse the parliament and the government will subsequently die out. However, there is a larger chance that he will ask for a public referendum, which Hamas rejects.

  

Various Palestinian sources are trying to advance a compromise such as a transitional government made up of technocrats, which would manage PA affairs until a conclusive agreement for a unity government can be reached.

 


פרסום ראשון: 10.26.06, 21:36
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