WORLD> Middle East
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WORLD> Middle East
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Israel to return Gazans who fled internal fighting
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-08-03 19:14 When Israeli soldiers went to open the gate, heavy fire erupted, apparently from Hamas forces, said Col. Ron Ashrov, an Israeli military commander in the border area. Twenty-two of those who crossed were injured, he said. Fatah and Hamas have engaged in a bitter and often violent rivalry for several years, culminating in Hamas' violent takeover of Gaza one year ago. Fatah's power in Gaza was largely erased and it was left in control only of the West Bank, where Abbas rules with a Western-backed government. Both groups have periodically carried out arrest sweeps targeting rivals in the territories they control. On Saturday, their opponents routed, Hamas men went from house to house in the clan's neighborhood, seizing suspects and weapons. Hamas said more than 50 people were arrested, including some who tried to flee disguised as women. "We are sending a message that no one is above the law and that no family is above the law. Gaza will enjoy peace and security," senior Hamas official Siyad Siam said. The latest incident punctuated one of the new realities of the conflict: Palestinian infighting has become so bitter that some Palestinians fear Israel less than they do each other. Four mortar shells fired from Gaza landed in Israel on Saturday, the military said, violating a cease-fire between Israel and Gaza militants. The shells caused no injuries but underscored the danger that the Palestinian infighting could embroil Israel. Haim Ramon, Israel's vice premier, said Sunday that Israel has a responsibility to help supporters of Abbas, who is negotiating a peace deal with Israel. "We have to decide on one central and basic position, and that is that we cooperate and want to help the pragmatic forces among the Palestinians, those who want to negotiate with us and who are fighting the radical Islam of Hamas," Ramon told Army Radio. |
