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