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Abbas: making an offer Hamas refuses (file)
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| By Israel Insider staff December 31, 2007 |
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Six Palestinians were killed on New Year's Eve as anniversary celebrations for the Fatah terror movement took another violent turn in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza. Among the dead were a Hamas police officer, a teenager and a Fatah supporter, Haaretz reported. The other two reported killed have not yet been identified to the media. About 30 people were wounded, Palestinian medical officials added.
Fatah marks the anniversary of its founding in 1964 -- three years before the Six Day War -- on January 1, but Hamas banned Fatah marches this year. All over Gaza, Fatah backers fired rifles in the air, set off fireworks, and gave dirty looks to Hamas officials.
This evening's killings were the first fatalities in Fatah-Hamas infighting since November 11, when Hamas forces opened fire on a Fatah rally, killing eight and wounding 85.
Abbas calls for Hamas to hand over Gaza, join vote
West Bank chieftain Mahmoud Abbas urged Hamas to agree to early elections and to open a "new page" by giving up control of the Gaza Strip and reconciling to his Fatah faction.
Reviving talk of early Palestinian elections, Abbas said in a speech to mark the anniversary of Fatah's founding that Hamas should approve and participate in any future vote. "I renew the option of early elections ... and I pledge that I will do my best to ensure this election will be the product of a deep and brotherly understanding," Abbas said. "I urge all, Fatah and Hamas movements and all other Palestinian factions, to consider this alternative and not to rush, as usual, to reject it."
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum rejected Abbas' speech as "full of incitement and divisive words," he said. Earlier he said that the Islamic group would not give up control of Gaza. "Abbas is betting on the American-Zionist project and not on dialogue with Hamas," he said, rejecting preconditions for talks.
Meanwhile, Palestinian security forces loyal to Abbas claimed to have arrested Hamas terrorists who were allegedly plotting a suicide bombing, the Palestinian foreign and information minister said on Monday. Riyad al-Malki said the Hamas members planned the attack but gave no details. He said security forces found a confessional video recorded by the would-be bombers. He also said officers had found mercury, which could be used to make explosive devices, in Nablus, concealed within a rectal thermometer.
Hamas spokesman Barhoum said: "we will not be surprised if the government ... fabricates charges to pursue their arrest campaign against Hamas and other factions of resistance."
Israel Police and the Israel Defense Forces said they had not heard about any attacks that had been prevented by Abbas's forces.
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