A Leader of Hamas Warns of West Bank Peril for Fatah
By STEVEN ERLANGER
Published: June 21, 2007
GAZA, June 20 — Mahmoud Zahar, perhaps the most influential Hamas leader in Gaza, warned Wednesday that Fatah’s effort to repress Hamas in the West Bank could lead to Fatah’s downfall there as well.
In an interview here, Mr. Zahar, the former Palestinian foreign minister, said Hamas would not sit idle if its political rival, Fatah, dominant in the occupied West Bank and backed by the United States and Israel, continued to attack Hamas institutions and politicians.
“If they continue to dismantle the local elections in the West Bank and punish Hamas there, the United States and Israel will face another surprise there,” Mr. Zahar said. Asked how, he said, “The way we defend ourselves against Israel and this occupation.” Pressed if that meant attacks and suicide bombings, he smiled and replied: “You said that.” Then he added: “We are ending the reign of the spies and collaborators in Fatah.” >>>cont
Published: June 21, 2007
GAZA, June 20 — Mahmoud Zahar, perhaps the most influential Hamas leader in Gaza, warned Wednesday that Fatah’s effort to repress Hamas in the West Bank could lead to Fatah’s downfall there as well.
In an interview here, Mr. Zahar, the former Palestinian foreign minister, said Hamas would not sit idle if its political rival, Fatah, dominant in the occupied West Bank and backed by the United States and Israel, continued to attack Hamas institutions and politicians.
“If they continue to dismantle the local elections in the West Bank and punish Hamas there, the United States and Israel will face another surprise there,” Mr. Zahar said. Asked how, he said, “The way we defend ourselves against Israel and this occupation.” Pressed if that meant attacks and suicide bombings, he smiled and replied: “You said that.” Then he added: “We are ending the reign of the spies and collaborators in Fatah.” >>>cont
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