GAZA: FACTIONAL TENSION HIGH DESPITE EFFORTS TO

UNCLAS JERUSALEM 001155

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE, NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/WATERS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KWBG KPAL IS PTER
SUBJECT: GAZA: FACTIONAL TENSION HIGH DESPITE EFFORTS TO
CONTAIN VIOLENCE

REF: JERUSALEM 1093


1. (SBU) Summary. Fatah and Hamas-aligned gunmen traded
kidnappings and drive-by shootings in Gaza City June 7-8.
Gunmen allegedly associated with the Presidential Guard (PG)
kidnapped two Hamas members, and the "Executive Force"
kidnapped a PG soldier. Drive-by shootings and preparations
of rooftop fighting positions continue as of 1400 local.
Palestinian radio/newspaper reports carried Hamas statements
criticizing NSA Muhammad Dahlan for stirring up factional
tensions before Fatah-Hamas talks planned in Cairo.
Palestinian militants fired at least 3 Qassam rockets and two
mortars into Israel (no injuries or property damage
reported),and the IDF killed a PIJ militant near Sufa and
reportedly killed another militant in northern Gaza. The IDF
did not allow newspapers for the three major Palestinian
dailies into Gaza June 7-8. End summary.

Kidnapping, Clashes in Gaza City
--------------


2. (SBU) Gunmen (whom Hamas claim are members of the PG)
kidnapped two Hamas members in Gaza City June 7, and shot one
in the foot. The "Executive Force" kidnapped PG soldier Izz
Abu Shanab early June 8. Unknown gunmen also shot and
injured two Hamas members in al-Shati Camp late June 7.


3. (SBU) The Follow-Up Committee (with Fatah, Hamas, other
factions and Egyptian representatives) told Palestinian press
June 7-8 that it is working to cool tensions. According to
Palestinian security contacts, Fatah/PASF and
Hamas/"Executive Force" gunmen occupied rooftop firing
positions in Gaza City June 7-8 in anticipation of escalating
factional fighting.

Hamas Incitement Against Dahlan
--------------


4. (SBU) Palestinian radio and newspapers reported Hamas
statements criticizing NSA Muhammad Dahlan for stirring up
factional tensions ahead of Fatah-Hamas talks planned in
Cairo. The statements accuse Dahlan of collaborating with
the U.S. and Israel to import armaments for Fatah forces and
accuse Dahlan of ordering attacks on Hamas members, because
Hamas refused to include him in the Cairo talks.

IDF Blocks Papers from Entering Gaza
--------------


5. (SBU) The IDF did not allow newspapers for the three
major Palestinian dailies (al-Quds, al-Hayyat al-Jadida and
al-Ayyam) into Gaza June 7-8. Media reports indicate that
continuing violence at Erez Crossing is interfering with the
newspapers' transfer into Gaza, and that the alternative
entry point--Karni/al-Mintar--is unattractive to the
newspaper publishers because of fees associated with its use.

Rockets/Mortars Strike Sderot Area;
IDF Kills PIJ Gunman
--------------


6. (SBU) Palestinian militants fired at least 3 Qassam
rockets and two mortars into Israel as of 1400 local on June
8, but these did not cause injuries or property damage.
Press reports state that 20-year-old PIJ militant Faris Abu
Bakir was shot and killed by the IDF near Sufa crossing on
June 7. Israeli radio reports said the IDF killed an
additional Palestinian gunmen near the perimeter fence in
northern Gaza early June 8.
WALLES