Fatah–Hamas conflict: Difference between revisions

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Throughout 10 and 15 June of fighting Hamas took control of the main north–south road and the coastal road.<ref name="BBC:How Hamas">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6748621.stm |title=How Hamas took over the Gaza Strip |publisher=BBC News |date=June 15, 2007 |accessdate=January 4, 2010}}</ref> and removed [[Fatah]] officials. The [[International Committee of the Red Cross|ICRC]] estimated that at least 118 people were killed and more than 550 wounded during the fighting in the week up to June 15.<ref>[http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/220224/025f24b73a37ef712ad576eb84b22e84.htm Gaza-Westbank – ICRC Bulletin No. 22 / 2007], AlertNet. Retrieved June 16, 2007.</ref> [[Human Rights Watch]] accused both sides with violations of international humanitarian law. Including the targeting and killing of civilians, public executions of political opponents and captives, throwing prisoners off high-rise apartment buildings, fighting in hospitals, and shooting from a jeep marked with "TV" insignias.<ref name=hrw>[http://www.hrw.org/english/docs/2007/06/13/isrlpa16156.htm Gaza: Armed Palestinian Groups Commit Grave Crimes], [[Human Rights Watch]], June 13, 2007.</ref> The International Committee of the Red Cross has denounced attacks in and around two hospitals in the northern part of the Gaza strip.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2007/s1950580.htm Hospitals offer no safety in Gaza strip], ABC News, June 13, 2007.</ref> The Israeli government closed all check-points on the borders of Gaza in response to the violence.
Throughout 10 and 15 June of fighting Hamas took control of the main north–south road and the coastal road.<ref name="BBC:How Hamas">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6748621.stm |title=How Hamas took over the Gaza Strip |publisher=BBC News |date=June 15, 2007 |accessdate=January 4, 2010}}</ref> and removed [[Fatah]] officials. The [[International Committee of the Red Cross|ICRC]] estimated that at least 118 people were killed and more than 550 wounded during the fighting in the week up to June 15.<ref>[http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/220224/025f24b73a37ef712ad576eb84b22e84.htm Gaza-Westbank – ICRC Bulletin No. 22 / 2007], AlertNet. Retrieved June 16, 2007.</ref> [[Human Rights Watch]] accused both sides with violations of international humanitarian law. Including the targeting and killing of civilians, public executions of political opponents and captives, throwing prisoners off high-rise apartment buildings, fighting in hospitals, and shooting from a jeep marked with "TV" insignias.<ref name=hrw>[http://www.hrw.org/english/docs/2007/06/13/isrlpa16156.htm Gaza: Armed Palestinian Groups Commit Grave Crimes], [[Human Rights Watch]], June 13, 2007.</ref> The International Committee of the Red Cross has denounced attacks in and around two hospitals in the northern part of the Gaza strip.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2007/s1950580.htm Hospitals offer no safety in Gaza strip], ABC News, June 13, 2007.</ref> The Israeli government closed all check-points on the borders of Gaza in response to the violence.


On June 14, [[President of the Palestinian National Authority|Palestinian President]] [[Mahmoud Abbas]] announced the [[Dissolution of parliament|dissolution]] of the current unity government and the declaration of a [[state of emergency]].<ref name=fox_disolve>{{cite news |title=Abbas Dissolves Palestinian Authority Government in Wake of Hamas-Fatah War |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,282195,00.html |date=June 14, 2007 |accessdate=July 14, 2008 |publisher=Fox News}}</ref><ref name=telegraph_dissolve>{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Levinson |author2=Matthew Moore|title=Abbas declares state of emergency in Gaza |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/06/14/wgaza614.xml |date= June 14, 2007 |accessdate=June 14, 2007 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London}}</ref> [[Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority|Palestinian Prime Minister]] [[Ismail Haniya]] was dismissed, and Abbas began to rule Gaza and the West Bank by presidential decree. Hamas spokesman [[Sami Abu Zuhri]] responded by declaring that President Abbas's decision was "in practical terms ... worthless," asserting that Haniya "remains the head of the government even if it was dissolved by the president".<ref name=bbc_dissolve>{{cite news |title=Abbas sacks Hamas-led government |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6754499.stm |date= June 14, 2007 |accessdate=July 14, 2008 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref name="Hamas takes control of Gaza">{{cite news |first1=Ian |last1=Black |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/jun/15/israel4 |title=Hamas takes control of Gaza |date=June 15, 2007 |accessdate=June 3, 2010 |last2=Tran |first2=Mark |newspaper=Guardian |location=London}}</ref>
On 14 June, [[President of the Palestinian National Authority|Palestinian President]] [[Mahmoud Abbas]] announced the [[Dissolution of parliament|dissolution]] of the current unity government and the declaration of a [[state of emergency]].<ref name=fox_disolve>{{cite news |title=Abbas Dissolves Palestinian Authority Government in Wake of Hamas-Fatah War |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,282195,00.html |date=June 14, 2007 |accessdate=July 14, 2008 |publisher=Fox News}}</ref><ref name=telegraph_dissolve>{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Levinson |author2=Matthew Moore|title=Abbas declares state of emergency in Gaza |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/06/14/wgaza614.xml |date= June 14, 2007 |accessdate=June 14, 2007 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London}}</ref> [[Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority|Palestinian Prime Minister]] [[Ismail Haniya]] was dismissed, and Abbas began to rule Gaza and the West Bank by presidential decree. Hamas spokesman [[Sami Abu Zuhri]] responded by declaring that President Abbas's decision was "in practical terms ... worthless," asserting that Haniya "remains the head of the government even if it was dissolved by the president".<ref name=bbc_dissolve>{{cite news |title=Abbas sacks Hamas-led government |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6754499.stm |date= June 14, 2007 |accessdate=July 14, 2008 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref name="Hamas takes control of Gaza">{{cite news |first1=Ian |last1=Black |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/jun/15/israel4 |title=Hamas takes control of Gaza |date=June 15, 2007 |accessdate=June 3, 2010 |last2=Tran |first2=Mark |newspaper=Guardian |location=London}}</ref>


Nathan Brown of the [[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]] commented that under the 2003 [[Constitution of Palestine|Palestinian Constitution]] Abbas clearly had the right to declare a state of emergency and dismiss the prime minister but the state of emergency could continue only for 30 days. After that it would need to be renewed by the (Hamas-dominated) Legislative Council, which also constrained the breadth of his emergency powers. Neither Hamas nor Fatah had enough votes to form a new government under the constitution.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=18738&prog=zgp&proj=zdrl,zme |title=What Can Abu Mazin Do? |accessdate=June 19, 2007 |author= Nathan Brown |date=June 15, 2007 |publisher=[[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]] |quote=}}</ref> The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights condemned Hamas' "decision to resolve the conflict militarily" but argued that "steps taken by President Mahmoud Abbas in response to these events violate the Basic Law and undermine the Basic Law in a manner that is no less dangerous."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pchrgaza.ps/files/PressR/English/2007/41-2007.htm |title=No Alternative to Political Dialogue: PCHR's Position towards the Current Crisis in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian National Authority |accessdate=June 19, 2007 |date= June 18, 2007 |publisher=Palestinian Centre for Human Rights |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070627061301/http://www.pchrgaza.ps/files/PressR/English/2007/41-2007.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = June 27, 2007 |quote=}}</ref>
Nathan Brown of the [[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]] commented that under the 2003 [[Constitution of Palestine|Palestinian Constitution]] Abbas clearly had the right to declare a state of emergency and dismiss the prime minister but the state of emergency could continue only for 30 days. After that it would need to be renewed by the (Hamas-dominated) Legislative Council, which also constrained the breadth of his emergency powers. Neither Hamas nor Fatah had enough votes to form a new government under the constitution.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=18738&prog=zgp&proj=zdrl,zme |title=What Can Abu Mazin Do? |accessdate=June 19, 2007 |author= Nathan Brown |date=June 15, 2007 |publisher=[[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]] |quote=}}</ref> The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights condemned Hamas' "decision to resolve the conflict militarily" but argued that "steps taken by President Mahmoud Abbas in response to these events violate the Basic Law and undermine the Basic Law in a manner that is no less dangerous."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pchrgaza.ps/files/PressR/English/2007/41-2007.htm |title=No Alternative to Political Dialogue: PCHR's Position towards the Current Crisis in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian National Authority |accessdate=June 19, 2007 |date= June 18, 2007 |publisher=Palestinian Centre for Human Rights |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070627061301/http://www.pchrgaza.ps/files/PressR/English/2007/41-2007.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = June 27, 2007 |quote=}}</ref>


On June 15, Abbas appointed [[Salam Fayyad]] as prime minister and gave him the task of forming a new government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=23042 |title=President Abbas prepares to swear in unelected interim government |publisher=Maannews.net |accessdate=April 24, 2011}}</ref>
On 15 June, Abbas appointed [[Salam Fayyad]] as prime minister and gave him the task of forming a new government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=23042 |title=President Abbas prepares to swear in unelected interim government |publisher=Maannews.net |accessdate=April 24, 2011}}</ref>


The attacks of Hamas gunmen against Fatah security forces in the Gaza Strip resulted in a reaction of Fatah gunmen against Hamas institutions in the [[West Bank]]. Although Hamas's numbers were greater in the [[Gaza Strip]], Fatah forces were greater in the [[West Bank]].
The attacks of Hamas gunmen against Fatah security forces in the Gaza Strip resulted in a reaction of Fatah gunmen against Hamas institutions in the [[West Bank]]. Although Hamas's numbers were greater in the [[Gaza Strip]], Fatah forces were greater in the [[West Bank]].
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The West Bank had its first casualty when the bullet-riddled body of a Hamas militant was found in [[Nablus]], sparking the fear that Fatah would use its advantage in the [[West Bank]] for retaliation against its members' deaths in the [[Gaza Strip]]<ref>[http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1181813032455&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull], jpost.com</ref> On the same day, Hamas also declared that it was in full control of Gaza, a claim denied by Abbas.<ref name=gaza_control>{{cite news |title=Hamas 'in full control of Gaza' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6755299.stm |date= June 15, 2007 |accessdate=July 14, 2008 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref>
The West Bank had its first casualty when the bullet-riddled body of a Hamas militant was found in [[Nablus]], sparking the fear that Fatah would use its advantage in the [[West Bank]] for retaliation against its members' deaths in the [[Gaza Strip]]<ref>[http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1181813032455&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull], jpost.com</ref> On the same day, Hamas also declared that it was in full control of Gaza, a claim denied by Abbas.<ref name=gaza_control>{{cite news |title=Hamas 'in full control of Gaza' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6755299.stm |date= June 15, 2007 |accessdate=July 14, 2008 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref>


On June 16, a Fatah-linked militant group, the [[al-Aqsa Martyr's Brigades]], stormed the Hamas-controlled parliament based in Ramallah in the West Bank. This act, including the ransack of the ministry of education, was seen as a reaction to similar looting occurring following Hamas' military success in Gaza.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200706161550.htm |title=Fatah gunmen storm Hamas-controlled ministry, parliament building |work=The Hindu |date=June 16, 2007 |accessdate=April 24, 2011 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref>
On 16 June, a Fatah-linked militant group, the [[al-Aqsa Martyr's Brigades]], stormed the Hamas-controlled parliament based in Ramallah in the West Bank. This act, including the ransack of the ministry of education, was seen as a reaction to similar looting occurring following Hamas' military success in Gaza.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200706161550.htm |title=Fatah gunmen storm Hamas-controlled ministry, parliament building |work=The Hindu |date=June 16, 2007 |accessdate=April 24, 2011 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref>


On June 20, Hamas leader [[Mahmoud Zahar]] declared that if Fatah continued to try to uproot Hamas in the West Bank, it could lead to Fatah's downfall there as well. He would not deny when asked that Hamas resistance against Fatah would take the form of attacks and suicide bombings similar to those that Hamas has used against Israel in the past.<ref>{{Cite book
On 20 June, Hamas leader [[Mahmoud Zahar]] declared that if Fatah continued to try to uproot Hamas in the West Bank, it could lead to Fatah's downfall there as well. He would not deny when asked that Hamas resistance against Fatah would take the form of attacks and suicide bombings similar to those that Hamas has used against Israel in the past.<ref>{{Cite book
|last=Erlanger |first=Steven |author-link=Steven Erlanger |date=June 21, 2007 |title=A Leader of Hamas Warns of West Bank Peril for Fatah |work=New York Times |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/21/world/middleeast/21mideast.html |quote=Mr. Zahar, the former Palestinian foreign minister, said Hamas would not sit idle if its political rival, Fatah, ... continued to attack Hamas institutions and politicians. |accessdate=July 14, 2008}}</ref>
|last=Erlanger |first=Steven |author-link=Steven Erlanger |date=June 21, 2007 |title=A Leader of Hamas Warns of West Bank Peril for Fatah |work=New York Times |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/21/world/middleeast/21mideast.html |quote=Mr. Zahar, the former Palestinian foreign minister, said Hamas would not sit idle if its political rival, Fatah, ... continued to attack Hamas institutions and politicians. |accessdate=July 14, 2008}}</ref>


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On 12 November, a large demonstration dedicated to the memory of late Palestinian Authority President [[Yasser Arafat]] was organized by Fatah in Gaza City. With over 200,000 participants, this was the largest Fatah demonstration in the Gaza Strip since the Hamas takeover. The demonstration was forcibly dispersed by Hamas gunmen, who fired into the crowd. At least six civilians were killed and over 80 people were injured, some from being trampled in the resulting stampede.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSL12626820._CH_.2400 |title=Gunfire kills seven at Fatah rally in Gaza |date=November 12, 2007 |agency=Reuters |first=Nidal |last=al-Mughrabi}}</ref> The smaller militant group Islamic Jihad, whose members have clashed with Hamas several times, condemned the shootings.
On 12 November, a large demonstration dedicated to the memory of late Palestinian Authority President [[Yasser Arafat]] was organized by Fatah in Gaza City. With over 200,000 participants, this was the largest Fatah demonstration in the Gaza Strip since the Hamas takeover. The demonstration was forcibly dispersed by Hamas gunmen, who fired into the crowd. At least six civilians were killed and over 80 people were injured, some from being trampled in the resulting stampede.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSL12626820._CH_.2400 |title=Gunfire kills seven at Fatah rally in Gaza |date=November 12, 2007 |agency=Reuters |first=Nidal |last=al-Mughrabi}}</ref> The smaller militant group Islamic Jihad, whose members have clashed with Hamas several times, condemned the shootings.

=== 2008 Reconciliation agreement ===
On 23 March 2008, Hamas and Fatah signed an agreement in [[Sana'a]], Yemen that amounted to a reconciliation deal. It called for a return of the Gaza Strip to the pre-June 2007 situation, though this has not happened.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sudam |first=Mohamed |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKL23831120080323 |title=Fatah and Hamas sign reconciliation deal |publisher=Uk.reuters.com |date= March 23, 2008|accessdate=April 24, 2011}}</ref> On 8 November 2008, Palestinian reconciliation talks due to be held in Cairo were called off on Saturday after Hamas announced a boycott in protest at the detention of hundreds of its members by president Mahmoud Abbas's security forces.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2008/11/08/59723.html |title=Palestinian unity talks stall after Hamas boycott |publisher=alarabiya.net |date=November 8, 2008|accessdate=December 3, 2012}}</ref>


==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==

Revision as of 08:01, 15 September 2015

Fatah–Hamas conflict
Part of Palestinian political violence
Date2006–present
(main phase in 2007)
Location
Palestinian Authority (mainly Gaza Strip)
Status

Reconciliation process:

  • Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip
  • New Palestinian Government in the West Bank, appointed by Mahmoud Abbas
  • Reconciliation agreement signed May 2011
  • Doha agreement signed 2012
  • Renewed political crisis in March–April 2012[1]
  • Strong increase of tensions in 2013[2][3][4]
  • Hamas and Fatah sign reconciliation deal in April 2014 [5]
  • Unity government sworn in in June 2014[6]
  • Implementation of unity government control in Gaza due date
Belligerents
Hamas File:Fatah Flag.svg Fatah
Commanders and leaders
Ismail Haniya
Khaled Meshaal
Mohammed Deif		 File:Fatah Flag.svg Mahmoud Abbas
File:Fatah Flag.svg Mohammed Dahlan
Strength
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades: 15,000
Executive Police Force: 6,000[7][8]		 National Security: 30,000
Preventive Security Service: 30,000
General Intelligence: 5,000
Presidential Guard: 4,200
Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade: Several thousand[7][8]
Casualties and losses
83 killed 165 killed
98 civilians killed
1,000+ wounded on both sides[9]
Total: 600+ killed[9]

The Fatah–Hamas conflict (Arabic: النزاع بين فتح وحماس an-Nizāʿ bayna Fataḥ wa-Ḥamās), also referred to as the Palestinian Civil War (Arabic: الحرب الأهلية الفلسطينية al-Ḥarb al-ʾAhliyyah al-Filisṭīnīyyah), is the conflict between the two main Palestinian political parties, Fatah and Hamas, resulting in the split of the Palestinian Authority in 2007. The reconciliation process and unification of Hamas and Fatah administrations has not finalized as of September 2015, despite claimed advances towards unification. The Palestinian Independent Commission for Citizens' Rights has found that more than 600 Palestinians were killed in the fighting from January 2006 to May 2007.[10] Dozens more were killed or executed in the following years as part of the conflict.

Overview

Tensions between Fatah and Hamas began to rise in 2005. After the Hamas' legislative victory in 2006, relations were marked by sporadic factional fighting. This became more intense after the two parties repeatedly failed to reach a deal to share government power, escalating in June 2007 and resulting in Hamas' control of the Gaza strip. As of August 2007 the Palestinian Authority became split into two polities, each seeing itself as the true representative of the Palestinian people – the Fatah-ruled Palestinian National Authority and the Hamas Government in Gaza.[11]

The Cairo reconciliation agreement between the parties was signed in May 2011, bringing hopes of reuniting the Fatah-ruled Palestinian National Authority and the Hamas Government in Gaza. The implementation of the agreement however was not executed up until the withdrawal of the Hamas external office from Damascus, due to the Syrian civil war. As a result, the Doha deal was signed by Mahmoud Abbas and Khaled Mashal in 2012. On 1 April 2012, the Doha implementation however was described as "stalling".[1] with no progress on the joint elections scheme. In addition, the Fatah blamed Hamas that its security forces have set up roadblocks and arrested dozens of Fatah members and individuals in Gaza, whom they accused of "spreading rumors".[1] In the aftermath of the Palestinian UN upgrade to observer state status, negotiations resumed in January 2013.

In April 2014 agreement between the two political groups, they agreed to hold elections and form a compromise unity government, with elections to be held in late 2014.[12] As of October 2014, despite formation of "technocratic" unity government in Ramallah and official give-up of Prime-Minister title by the Hamas' Gazan leader Haniye, the groups have not achieved an agreement on authority of the new government in Gaza and elections' date.

Background

Politics of Palestine
Officeholders whose status is disputed are shown in italics

Arab League Member state of the Arab League

Government
National symbols
Legislative Council
Elections
Administrative divisions
Foreign relations
flag Palestine portal
Main articles: 2000 Camp David Summit and Second Intifada

The divisions between the two main Palestinian political factions, Fatah and Hamas, are ideological differences in objectives, governance, and relations with Israel.[11] While initially both openly sanctioned violence against Israel, they went different ways since the conclusion of the 1993/1995 Oslo Accords peace accords. Fatah recognized Israel's right to exist and led the efforts toward a two-state solution with Israel, while Hamas maintained its charter and officially rejected peace process with Israel.[11] Hamas initiated a long campaign of suicide bombings and other attacks on Israelis.[13]

The failure of the Camp David summit in July 2000 laid the groundwork for popular support for a more confrontational approach with Israel.[14] Ideological differences in objectives, governance, and relations with Israel, existed between Fatah and Hamas. Fatah was founded to promote the armed struggle with the stated purpose of the "liberation of Palestine". After recognizing Israel's right to exist, and creating the Palestinian Authority (PA) in 1993, the PLO's official charter was updated to reflect the new stance. In 2002, under tremendous pressure, Arafat found a compromise and publicly condemned new attacks on Israeli citizens, yet maintained that armed activities within the Palestinian Territories was legitimate.[11][14] Even so, Fatah members had been at the forefront of protests in 2000. Hamas, on the other hand, initiated a long campaign of suicide bombings and other attacks on Israelis lasting until 2004. Fatah hoped that agreements with Israel would end the occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state; Hamas opposed the agreements and refused to recognize Israel.[15] The Tanzim faction of Fatah, representing the party's more youthful element, was involved from the start.[14] The international community wanted the Israeli–Palestinian conflict solved by negotiations and particularly through the 2003 Roadmap for peace; it preferred to support Fatah and reject Hamas joining the Palestinian Authority.

The tensions between Hamas and Fatah began to rise after the death of Fatah leader Yasser Arafat on 11 November 2004. They intensified after Hamas won the elections of 2006 and the international community increased the pressure on the Palestinian Authority. In January 2006 Hamas refrained from reiterating calls for the destruction of Israel in its election manifesto.[13]

2006 elections and Hamas-government

With the death of Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian Authority was left without a strong leader. Hamas won the 2006 legislative election. As a result of the Hamas led government's refusal to commit to nonviolence, recognition of the state of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements, the states of Israel, the Quartet (United States, Russia, United Nations, and European Union), several Western states, and the Arab states imposed sanctions suspending all foreign aid. On 25 June 2006, militant groups conducted a cross-border raid into Israel. The Israeli response left Hamas with half its parliamentary bloc and its cabinet ministers in the West Bank in Israeli custody.[16]

Involvement of Britain, United States, Israel and Arab states

Main article: Fatah–Hamas battle in Gaza (Background)

Documents published in the Palestine Papers reveal that the British intelligence MI6 in 2004, helped draw up a security plan for Fatah-led Palestinian Authority. The plan mentioned as an objective, "encourage and enable the Palestinian Authority (PA) to fully meet its security obligations under Phase 1 of the Roadmap". It proposes a number of ways of "degrading the capabilities of rejectionists", naming Hamas, PIJ (Palestinian Islamic Jihad) and the al-Aqsa Brigades.[17] The plan was described by the Guardian as a "wide-ranging crackdown on Hamas".[18] The supposed plan for a Fatah counter-insurgence against Hamas backfired in June 2006, when Hamas won the 2006 elections.[19]

Several sources speak of considerable involvement by the US, Israel and Arab states, after Hamas announced the formation of its own security service, the Executive Force, which was denounced by Mahmoud Abbas as unconstitutional. The Presidential Guard of Mahmoud Abbas was enlarged and equipped, and its members trained by the US, Egypt and Jordan[20][21][22][23] Also, a PLC council member for Hamas, Anwar Zaboun, believes that ″Mohammed Dahlan had a big plan to remove the roots of Hamas, the resistance, in Gaza and the West Bank″.[24]

According to the IISS, the June 2007 escalation was triggered by Hamas' conviction that the PA's Presidential Guard, loyal to Mahmoud Abbas, was being positioned to take control of Gaza. The US had helped build up the Presidential Guard to 3,500 men since August 2006. The US committed $59 million for training and non-lethal equipment for the Presidential Guard, and persuaded Arab allies to fund the purchase of further weapons. Israel, too, allowed light arms to flow to members of the Presidential Guard. Jordan and Egypt hosted at least two battalions for training.[16]

Timeline

March 2006 to December 2006: rise of tensions

Following the elections, Hamas announced the formation of its own security service, the Executive Force, appointing Jamal abu Samhadana, a prominent militant, at its head. Abbas had denounced the move as unconstitutional, saying that only the Palestinian president could command armed forces.[25]

The period from March to December 2006 was marked by tensions when Palestinian Authority commanders affiliated to Fatah refused to take orders from the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority government. Tensions further grew between the two Palestinian factions after they failed to reach a deal to share government power. On 15 December, Abbas called for a Palestinian general election.[26] Hamas challenged the legality of holding an early election, maintaining its right to hold the full term of its democratically elected offices. Hamas characterized this as an attempted Fatah coup by Abbas,[27] using undemocratic means to overthrow the results of a democratically elected government.[16]

December 2006 to January 2007

On 15 December 2006, fighting broke out in the West Bank after Palestinian National Security Forces fired on a Hamas rally in Ramallah. At least 20 people were wounded in the clashes, which came shortly after Fatah troops loyal to Muhammed Dahlan attempted to assassinate Ismail Haniya, the Palestinian prime minister.[28][29][30] Intense factional fighting continued throughout December 2006 and January 2007 in the Gaza Strip.

After of month in which factional fighting left 33 people dead. President Mahmoud Abbas attempted to incorporated Hamas-led Executive Force into the security apparatus loyal to the president. Hamas rejected Abbas' order, instead announced plans to double the size of its force. On 6 January 2007, Abbas outlawed the Executive Force and ordered its disbandment.[31] Fightings erupted until a cease-fire on 30 January.[32] The dueling announcements raised the prospect of an intensified armed standoff. Abbas's only means of enforcing the order appeared to be coercive action by police and security units under his command, but they are relatively weak in the Gaza Strip, Hamas's stronghold.[31]

February to April 2007

Fierce fightings took place after Hamas killed 6 people on 1 February in an ambush on a Gaza convoy which delivered equipment for Abbas' Palestinian Presidential Guard, according to diplomats, meant to counter smuggling of more powerful weapons into Gaza by Hamas for its fast-growing "Executive Force". According to Hamas, the deliveries to the Presidential Guard were intended to instigate sedition (against Hamas), while withholding money and assistance from the Palestinian people.[33][34]

On 8 February 2007, the Saudi-brokered Fatah–Hamas Mecca Agreement produced an agreement on a Palestinian national unity government signed by Fatah and Hamas leaders. The agreement included measures to end the internecine violence.[35] The unity government was formed on 17 March. However, it would struggle to resolve the two most pressing issues it faces an economic crisis and a collapse of security in Gaza.[16][36] However, minor incidents continued through March and April 2007. More than 90 people were killed in these first months.

May 2007

In mid-May 2007, clashes erupted once again in the streets of Gaza. In less than 18 days, more than 50 Palestinians were killed. Leaders of both parties tried to stop the fighting by calling dozens of truces, but none of them held for longer than a few days.

June 2007: split of government

Main article: Fatah–Hamas battle in Gaza

Throughout 10 and 15 June of fighting Hamas took control of the main north–south road and the coastal road.[37] and removed Fatah officials. The ICRC estimated that at least 118 people were killed and more than 550 wounded during the fighting in the week up to June 15.[38] Human Rights Watch accused both sides with violations of international humanitarian law. Including the targeting and killing of civilians, public executions of political opponents and captives, throwing prisoners off high-rise apartment buildings, fighting in hospitals, and shooting from a jeep marked with "TV" insignias.[39] The International Committee of the Red Cross has denounced attacks in and around two hospitals in the northern part of the Gaza strip.[40] The Israeli government closed all check-points on the borders of Gaza in response to the violence.

On 14 June, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced the dissolution of the current unity government and the declaration of a state of emergency.[41][42] Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya was dismissed, and Abbas began to rule Gaza and the West Bank by presidential decree. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri responded by declaring that President Abbas's decision was "in practical terms ... worthless," asserting that Haniya "remains the head of the government even if it was dissolved by the president".[43][44]

Nathan Brown of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace commented that under the 2003 Palestinian Constitution Abbas clearly had the right to declare a state of emergency and dismiss the prime minister but the state of emergency could continue only for 30 days. After that it would need to be renewed by the (Hamas-dominated) Legislative Council, which also constrained the breadth of his emergency powers. Neither Hamas nor Fatah had enough votes to form a new government under the constitution.[45] The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights condemned Hamas' "decision to resolve the conflict militarily" but argued that "steps taken by President Mahmoud Abbas in response to these events violate the Basic Law and undermine the Basic Law in a manner that is no less dangerous."[46]

On 15 June, Abbas appointed Salam Fayyad as prime minister and gave him the task of forming a new government.[47]

The attacks of Hamas gunmen against Fatah security forces in the Gaza Strip resulted in a reaction of Fatah gunmen against Hamas institutions in the West Bank. Although Hamas's numbers were greater in the Gaza Strip, Fatah forces were greater in the West Bank.

The West Bank had its first casualty when the bullet-riddled body of a Hamas militant was found in Nablus, sparking the fear that Fatah would use its advantage in the West Bank for retaliation against its members' deaths in the Gaza Strip[48] On the same day, Hamas also declared that it was in full control of Gaza, a claim denied by Abbas.[49]

On 16 June, a Fatah-linked militant group, the al-Aqsa Martyr's Brigades, stormed the Hamas-controlled parliament based in Ramallah in the West Bank. This act, including the ransack of the ministry of education, was seen as a reaction to similar looting occurring following Hamas' military success in Gaza.[50]

On 20 June, Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar declared that if Fatah continued to try to uproot Hamas in the West Bank, it could lead to Fatah's downfall there as well. He would not deny when asked that Hamas resistance against Fatah would take the form of attacks and suicide bombings similar to those that Hamas has used against Israel in the past.[51]

October to November 2007: renewed clashes

On 17 October, clashes erupted in eastern Gaza between Hamas security forces and members of the powerful Heles clan (Fatah-affiliated), leaving up to two dead on both sides. Fatah and Hamas officials gave conflicting accounts of what caused the fighting but the dispute seems to have originated when Hamas officials demanded that the clan return a governmental car. Another gun battle on October 20 killed one member of the clan and a 13-year-old boy.[52] During the same day, in Rafah, one woman was killed and eight people were injured when Hamas security members traded fire with Islamic Jihad activists. Two days later, 7 more Palestinians were killed in the internal fighting, including some Hamas militants and a Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant.[53]

On 12 November, a large demonstration dedicated to the memory of late Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat was organized by Fatah in Gaza City. With over 200,000 participants, this was the largest Fatah demonstration in the Gaza Strip since the Hamas takeover. The demonstration was forcibly dispersed by Hamas gunmen, who fired into the crowd. At least six civilians were killed and over 80 people were injured, some from being trampled in the resulting stampede.[54] The smaller militant group Islamic Jihad, whose members have clashed with Hamas several times, condemned the shootings.

2008 Reconciliation agreement

On 23 March 2008, Hamas and Fatah signed an agreement in Sana'a, Yemen that amounted to a reconciliation deal. It called for a return of the Gaza Strip to the pre-June 2007 situation, though this has not happened.[55] On 8 November 2008, Palestinian reconciliation talks due to be held in Cairo were called off on Saturday after Hamas announced a boycott in protest at the detention of hundreds of its members by president Mahmoud Abbas's security forces.[56]

Aftermath

On 1 January 2008, at least eight people died in factional fighting in the Gaza Strip.[57]

On 31 May 2009, six people were killed as Palestinian Authority and Hamas forces clashed in Qalqilya. Ethan Bronner described the fighting as an indication "that the Palestinian unity needed for creation of a state is far off."[58]

Following the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 and the deposal of Egyptian president Morsi in July 2013, tensions between Fatah and Hamas reached a new high.[2][3][4] According to Barakat al-Farra, the PLO ambassador in Cairo, the Egyptian US-backed el-Sisi regime, which annually receives some $1.5 billion military aid from the US,[59] will keep the Rafah border crossing closed, until forces loyal to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas have regained control. A Hamas official accused the PA leadership of playing a major role in enforcing the blockade of the Gaza Strip.[60]

Reconciliation attempts

Main article: Fatah–Hamas reconciliation process

Since Hamas' takeover of the Gaza Strip in 2007, numerous reconciliation attempts are made. Despite a number of agreements, those attempts have not been successful. Israel and major parts of the international community, notably the United States have effectively opposed reconciliation.[61] Israel consistenly argues that Hamas wants to destroy Israel, referring to the 1988 Hamas Covenant and ignoring the present more moderate Hamas striving for an independent Palestinian state within the 1967-borders.

In 2009, Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel would never make peace with Hamas and ″cannot accept Hamas as a negotiating partner″.[62] In 2011, he ruled out a peace agreement, if Fatah and Hamas would reconcile. He said: ″The PA must choose either peace with Israel or peace with Hamas. There is no possibility for peace with both″ and ″How can you talk to us about peace when you're talking about peace with Hamas. You can choose [to make] peace with Israel or you can choose peace with Hamas″. An Israeli official declared that Israel would cut its ties with the Palestinian Authority if it brought Hamas into its government.[63]

In September 2013, Abbas admitted that he was under pressure from the US and Israel not to achieve unity with Hamas.[64] PLC council member for Hamas Anwar Zaboun said that both USA and EU maintain a veto on the reconciliation.[24]

See also

References

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  2. ^ a b "Egypt crisis brings Fatah, Hamas tensions to new high". Jerusalem Post, 14 July 2013
  3. ^ a b "Anti-Hamas Tamarod group denies involvement with Israel, US". Jerusalem Post, 2 September 2013
  4. ^ a b "What reconciliation? Hamas, Fatah trade blows". Al Jazeera, 14 September 2013
  5. ^ "Hamas and Fatah unveil Palestinian reconciliation deal". BBC News. Retrieved July 17, 2015.
  6. ^ "Palestinian unity government sworn in by Mahmoud Abbas". BBC. June 2, 2014. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
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  8. ^ a b Henry Chu (May 17, 2007). "Factional fighting in Gaza imperils unity government". Los Angeles Times.[dead link] Article reprinted at http://www.unitedjerusalem.org/index2.asp?id=917806&Date=5/18/2007
  9. ^ a b "Over 600 Palestinians killed in internal clashes since 2006". Ynetnews.com. June 20, 1995. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
  10. ^ "Over 600 Palestinians killed in internal clashes since 2006". Reuters via Ynet. June 6, 2007.
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  12. ^ Keinon, Herb. "Politics: Fatah-Hamas unity talks breed Likud harmony". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
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    - "the [Palestine papers] documents reflected a 2003 decision by Tony Blair to tie UK and EU security policy in the West Bank and Gaza to a US-led "counter-insurgency surge" against Hamas – which backfired when the Islamists won the 2006 elections".
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  24. ^ a b Palestinian split: Views from Hamas and Fatah, six years on (see section Anwar Zaboun). BBC, 17 June 2013
    - ″In terms of the reconciliation, I know there is a veto from the United States of America and the European Union. There is pressure.″
  25. ^ Kalman, Matthew (December 14, 2006). "U.S. training Fatah in anti-terror tactics / Underlying motive is to counter strength of Hamas, analysts say". sfgate.
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  33. ^ Template:Wayback. Nidal al-Mughrabi, Reuters, 1 February 2007. On web.archive.org
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  35. ^ The Palestinian National Unity Government. Shlomo Brom, Canada Free Press, 24 February 2007
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  45. ^ Nathan Brown (June 15, 2007). "What Can Abu Mazin Do?". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Retrieved June 19, 2007.
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  48. ^ [1], jpost.com
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  51. ^ Erlanger, Steven (June 21, 2007). A Leader of Hamas Warns of West Bank Peril for Fatah. Retrieved July 14, 2008. Mr. Zahar, the former Palestinian foreign minister, said Hamas would not sit idle if its political rival, Fatah, ... continued to attack Hamas institutions and politicians. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  52. ^ "Gaza: 4 dead as Hamas, Fatah clan clash". Jerusalem Post. October 18, 2007.
  53. ^ "One Palestinian killed in internal Gaza fighting". Reuters. October 21, 2007.
  54. ^ al-Mughrabi, Nidal (November 12, 2007). "Gunfire kills seven at Fatah rally in Gaza". Reuters.
  55. ^ Sudam, Mohamed (March 23, 2008). "Fatah and Hamas sign reconciliation deal". Uk.reuters.com. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
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  62. ^ Template:Wayback. FOXNews, 22 September 2009. On web.archive.org
  63. ^ "Abbas reacts: PM must choose between peace, settlements". Jerusalem Post, 27 April 2011
  64. ^ "Abbas says peace with Israel will be brought to a referendum for Palestinians ′everywhere′". Khaled abu Toameh, Jerusalem Post, 2 September 2013
    "Abbas said that he was under pressure from the US and Israel not to achieve unity with Hamas."

External links

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