August 04, 2008
GAZA CITY: The majority of more than 180 Fatah supporters who fled into Israel from the Gaza Strip were in Israeli custody yesterday after a dramatic escape from a Hamas crackdown that left nine people dead in fierce fighting in Gaza.
Wary Israeli troops allowed the Gazans to cross the heavily guarded border on Saturday, stripping them first to make sure none was wearing explosives.
Mortar shells hit near the crossing as the Palestinians fled their homes for the territory of their long-time enemy. The Israeli soldiers prepared stretchers, and ambulances rushed the badly wounded to nearby hospitals.
The incident punctuated one of the new realities of the conflict: Palestinian infighting has become so bitter that some fear Israel less than they do each other.The violence began on Saturday when Hamas forces launched a raid on a crowded Gaza City neighbourhood dominated by the Hilles clan, linked to Fatah. The sides battled each other with mortars and machine guns. Three Hamas men were killed, along with six Fatah supporters, and nearly 90 were wounded in what was one of Gaza's bloodiest rounds of internal fighting since Hamas seized the territory more than a year ago.
The Hamas raid was part of an intensifying week-long crackdown sparked by a mysterious explosion on July 25 that killed five Hamas men and a six-year old girl. Hamas blamed Fatah and began rounding up the rival group's members. Fatah denied the charge and launched a retaliatory crackdown against Hamas in the West Bank.
Hamas alleged the Hilles clan was hiding those who perpetrated the attack. The Islamic group's forces prevailed after heavy fighting in the neighbourhood's streets, and many of the clan's men fled in the direction of the border fence.
Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak agreed to let them through after the moderate Palestinian President, Fatah's Mahmoud Abbas, and the Egyptian Government contacted Israel.
Border commander Colonel Ron Ashrov said that when Israeli soldiers went to open the gate, heavy fire erupted, apparently from Hamas forces.
Twenty-two of those who crossed were wounded.
Israel's Deputy Prime Minister, Haim Ramon, said yesterday that Israel had a responsibility tohelp supporters of Mr Abbas, who is negotiating a peace deal with Israel.
Most of those who crossed will be returned to Gaza. A group of about 30 was sent back yesterday, and Israeli officials said last night the rest would be returned to Gaza rather than be allowed to relocate to the West Bank. The officials said this was in keeping with a request from Mr Abbas. The wounded would be allowed to remain in Israeli hospitals.
Nimr Hammad, a political adviser to Mr Abbas, said anyone wanted by Hamas would be allowed to remain in the West Bank for their safety, while the rest would be returned "to their families and their homes".
Four mortar shells fired from Gaza landed in Israel on Saturday, violating a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza militants. The shells caused no injuries, but underscored the danger that the Palestinian infighting could embroil Israel.
Fatah and Hamas have engaged in a bitter and often violent rivalry for several years, culminating in Hamas' violent takeover of Gaza a year ago.
Fatah's power in Gaza was largely erased and it was left in control only of the West Bank, where Mr 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 neighbourhood, 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," said a senior Hamas official.
In the West Bank, forces loyal to Mr Abbas ratcheted up their own crackdown at the weekend.
Source: The Australian
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