Gaza Descends Into Chaos
Fighting in Gaza between Fatah and Hamas has now claimed over 100 lives. Palestinian Prime Minister Abbas has declared a state of emergency, dismissed the Hamas government and called for new elections. He really does not have much power though, as Hamas militants have taken over many government offices and guard stations. Fatah is threatening to retaliate in the West Bank, where it has a slight advantage in numbers over Hamas. All of this is of course alarming to Israel, since Hamas’ stated objective is to destroy the Jewish state. The United States is at least partially responsible as it armed the Fatah militants in a (failed) attempt to supress Hamas.
