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| By: Associated Press |
| Published: June 14, 2006 |
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Fatah strongman Mohammed Dahlan accused the rival Hamas of "crimes" against the Palestinian people and failure in government in an Associated Press interview on Tuesday.
Dahlan is one of the most powerful Fatah figures in the volatile Gaza Strip but has no official position now that Hamas has taken over the government after winning parliamentary elections in January. In the interview, he was harshly critical of Hamas and Israel.
In recent weeks, the Fatah-Hamas rivalry has turned increasingly violent. Dahlan was furious over an attack on the pro-Fatah Preventive Security Service base in the southern town of Rafah.
"What happened yesterday in Rafah is a shame," Dahlan said, relating to the attack on the base with rocket-propelled grenades, apparently by pro-Hamas forces.
Dahlan, a Fatah member of parliament, repulsed charges that Fatah is trying to stir up opposition against the Hamas-led government. "The continuous accusations by Hamas is a signal of their failure," he said. "Hamas is looking for someone to blame for their failure. Since the government took office I am looking through the rubble for one achievement, and I can't find anything."
Dahlan spoke after the latest session of talks between Fatah and Hamas leaders over a document negotiated by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails that includes implicitly recognition of Israel. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called a referendum July 26 on the plan over the objections of Hamas, but Dahlan said the real goal is to reach agreement.
"We made it clear to Hamas that referendum is not our goal, and we give them 45 days for dialogue instead of five days, Dahlan said. "This is a golden opportunity to reach agreement."
Hamas ideology does not include a Jewish state in an Islamic Middle East. Hamas leaders have rejected to document and oppose a referendum.
Dahlan also blamed Israel for an explosion in the Gaza beach Friday that killed eight civilians. Israel's inquiry indicated the blast was caused by explosives Hamas planted against Israeli commandos.
"These crimes are not going to bring stability but will bring reaction," Dahlan warned. "This genocide is taking place while the world is watching and listening. Israel is not looking for peace does not want calm or resumption of negotiations." |
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