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Hamas set to overrun Gaza

Atul Aneja

Presidential compound comes under fire

DUBAI: The Palestinian militant group Hamas is set to overrun the entire Gaza Strip, setting the stage for the exit of the rival Fatah faction from the territory.

On Thursday, Hamas fighters took over the Preventive Security headquarters from Fatah.

At least 14 fighters and civilians were killed and 80 wounded in the heavy fighting that preceded the seizure of the compound. Around 90 persons have been killed since the surge in violence swept Gaza on Sunday.

Many Fatah fighters surrendered outside the compound, and eyewitnesses said some were executed on the spot.

The Hamas is already in control of key points, including the southern town of Rafah, which borders Egypt.

The group is also in charge of the Karni crossing — Gaza's main commercial gateway to Israel. The Sufa, Kerem and Shalom transit points are also under its control.

A Hamas triumph in Gaza would split Palestinian territories into two. The Islamic militant group would be left in charge of Gaza, while Fatah would dominate the West Bank. From a political standpoint, the high intensity fighting between the two groups could spell the end of the existing national unity government in which both groups are partners.

Hamas fighters are now targeting the remaining symbols of Fatah's presence in Gaza. Rocket propelled grenades are being fired towards the Gaza compound of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Offensive posture

The presidential guard was returning fire after Mr. Abbas ordered it to adopt an offensive posture.

Hamas personnel also besieged the intelligence service compound and were attacking it with rocket fire. By mid-afternoon, the group demanded the surrender of the national security compound. Taken aback by the Hamas' assault, Mr. Abbas sought Israeli cooperation in transporting weapons from the West Bank to Gaza for his embattled forces.

The Israelis apparently denied permission, saying that given the ground situation, the weapons would ultimately end up with Hamas. Flushed with success, the spokesman for Hamas, Islam Shahawan told Hamas Radio: "We are telling our people that the past era has ended and will not return."

Sami Abu Zuhri, another Hamas spokesman said "Gaza's second liberation" has been accomplished, citing the Israeli exit from the coastal strip in 2005.

With the Gaza Strip virtually under Hamas' control, the focus of the feud is shifting to the West Bank, where Fatah continues to remain a dominant force.

There have been sporadic clashes in the West Bank since Sunday.

However, on Thursday, Fatah detained Hamas fighters in a bid to retain the military high ground. Israeli officials said they were considering backing Fatah forces in the West Bank.

Israel has not directly intervened in the fighting so far. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has been in touch with the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon over the possible deployment of international forces in Gaza.

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