Gaza
צילום: AFP
Palestinians: Gaza fatalities up to 400
Head of Strip's emergency services says 2,000 people injured since Israeli offensive began. Local sources say Hamas rule in Gaza intact
Dr. Muawiya Hassanein, head of emergency services at the Gaza Ministry of Health announced Thursday that the number of Palestinian fatalities in Gaza since the Israeli offensive began has reached 400, and 2,000 people have been injured.
The Israel Air Force struck 20 targets in the Strip overnight, while the Israel Navy targeted the Palestinian Legislative Council building and the Justice Ministry in Gaza City's government plaza.
"The people in Gaza are getting used to the shelling," Muhammad Srur, a resident of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahiya told Ynet.
Srur's home was hit when the IDF struck an adjacent building, believed to be the hideout of a senior member in the Islamic Jihad's military wing.
Srur sent his wife and son out of the Strip, for their own safety, he said. "It's hard, but we're all getting used to the situation. We want to see this over soon, and we're seeing some good signs of that."
When asked what signs he was referring to, Srur recalled the image of Shas Chairman Eli Yishai, ducking to the floor as rockets hit Ashkelon during his visit of the city. "When rockets hit here, we all run out to see if we can help, but he fell to the floor like a coward. For the people here – Hamas supporters and even those who are not their supporters – that was a sign that Hamas is winning."
And some in Gaza do believe Hamas has the upper hand, but nevertheless Fatah would still like to see Hamas' downfall: "We want the killing to stop and we don’t want to see innocent people hurt, but when Hamas men get hurt, the immediate response is 'the hell with them','" said a Fatah operative.
The group's hold on Gaza, he added, is as firm as ever, despite the damage it has suffered in the attacks: "When the Palestinian Authority ruled and a headquarters was attacked, you would see a lot of looting, but now Hamas police place roadblocks and rails and no one can get near an area that's been attacked."
Hamas, he added, issued a warning several weeks back, saying anyone who tries to use the shortage of supplies to raise prices will be punished. They've gathered all the flour and sugar and are selling it in sane prices."
Hamas sources in the Strip told Ynet that the organization's governing may have compromised as a result of the destruction of its government institutions and security facilities, but as a whole, it was scarcely damaged. "The charities are still operating and so are its public activists," said one source.
The overall sentiment is that Hamas is able not only to survive the offensive, but also to make life difficult for the Israelis, with the incessant fire on Beersheba and Ashdod. Gazans have come to believe that a local power has emerged in the Strip, and it will not disappear so easily.
"Affiliations aside," said the Fatah operative, "These guys are doing a great job. So great that I think that it may be better for the Palestinian people if the Fatah doesn’t make a comeback in the near future."
