United No Longer: Palestinian Government in Shambles

Hamas fighters in Gaza City increased their attack on Fatah controlled areas and buildings. They overran the headquarters of Fatah's Preventive Security forces in Gaza City today, declaring the "liberation" of Gaza. The BBC reports that the attack led to President Abbas dismissing PM Haniya from his post and declaring a state of emergency.

The dismissal effectively gives the Gaza Strip to Hamas. The West Bank will be controlled by Fatah, at least for the time being. With Gaza City in the hands of Hamas - and soon the Gaza Strip - the response by Israel could be quick and fierce. PM Olmert has already warned of 'regional consequences' if Hamas has complete control of Gaza. Israeli security forces are reporting that Hamas in becoming more sophisticated like Hezbollan in Lebanon and are smuggling weapons into Gaza through Egypt. All of these Israeli comments were during the power struggle over the last few days. Their response to the dismissal of Haniya and the effective hand-over of Gaza to Hamas will be interesting and I fear bloody.

President Abbas will hold elections as soon as the fighting abates. However, if elections in 2006 are any indication of the view of the populace, Abbas may find himself with more Hamas members elected. The power struggle, according to Danny Rubinstein in a NYTimes Article, is the fault of Abbas and Fatah not sharing power with the generally elected Hamas members. If a new election occurs and more Hamas members are elected, Fatah will either have to ignore the voice of the people or they will be no better off than they are now. Time will tell...