Hamas Wins Key Battles in Gaza Strip
By Chris Mitchell
CBN News - Jerusalem Bureau
June 13, 2007
CBNNews.com - JERUSALEM - Hamas scored key victories in what looks like a decisive military offensive in its war with Fatah.
Click Play to hear Pat Robertson's comments following this report.
Some observers believe that unless the fighting stops soon, Hamas will take over the entire Gaza Strip. The U.S. considers Hamas a terrorist group, while Fatah has been the group Israel has tried to negotiate with.
One Fatah leader said that if the bitter power struggle continues, it will abandon its unity government with Hamas.
"What people must understand is what's at risk here is not just the Palestinian government, it's the whole Authority which could collapse completely," Palestinian Information Minister Mustafa Barghouti said.
Dozens of fighters on both sides have died in the past several days and Hamas and Fatah are both threatening to kill the other side's leaders.
The fighting has been brutal. Hamas and Fatah have attacked people in hospitals, killed execution style and thrown people off buildings.
So far the surrounding Arab governments of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan refuse to intervene.
In Jerusalem, the Olmert government proposed an international force along the Egyptian border to stop the weapons from going into the Gaza strip.
But the reality on the ground appears as though Hamas is already in control. Some analysts see the military gains by Hamas as a victory for Syria and Iran and a blow to Israel and the U.S.
The latest fighting may be a decisive stage in the ongoing power struggle between Hamas and Fatah. The struggle began in January 2006 when Hamas won control of the Palestinian parliament.
Eighteen months later, many in Israel are calling Gaza by a new name: Hamastan.
CBN IS HERE FOR YOU!
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting?
Are you facing a difficult situation?
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
