Posted on 06/16/2007 5:37:56 PM PDT by indcons
The tensions in Gaza were felt all the way in the West Bank city of Qalqiliya where merchants in the local marketplace decided not only to mark down prices but also shave off their beards.
"Nowadays a beard is no longer a religious decree, it's a clear and present danger," one of the merchants told Ynet. "Fatah harasses anyone with a beard and beats them, so may Allah forgive us if we remove ours to stay safe. As it is the beard is optional and not mandatory," he said.
In Ramallah last weekend three French citizens were badly beaten by Fatah men who suspected them of being affiliated with Hamas due to their facial hair. Hamas meanwhile has accused Fatah of persecuting the religion of Islam and subsequently anyone who looks religious due to his appearance.
Qalqiliya's marketplace is usually swamped with tens of thousands of visitors on Saturdays, primarily Israeli Arabs, all packed tightly between the teeming market stands, restaurants and bakeries.
This Saturday however, after a week of bloodshed in the PA, only several dozen shoppers made their way to Qalqiliya. Those who did come enjoyed dramatically low prices due to the abrupt change in consumer demand. The marketplace already boasts significantly lower prices than those found in Israel.
Two pounds of potatoes, sold at an average $1 in Israel and $0.70 in Qalqiliya, went for $0.20 this weekend.
"We have to sell it, even for pittance. It's better than being left with goods that will rot," they said.
Midday official Palestinian security troops arrived, wearing facemasks. A group of young boys pestered the armed men, who threatened them with rifles. One of the stall owners, fearing a riot would scare away the few customers that did come, grabbed one of the boys and slapped him. The crowd dispersed.
Hamas in hiding
Even the PA troops, whose main concern is usually directing traffic and chatting with shoppers, were tense and on alert; examining ID cards, mostly those belonging to Palestinians. Israelis? That's just fine, come and shop.
Not far from the market is the Qalqiliya city hall, the glass pane of its front door smashed in and other parts of the building have been vandalized. City workers have not yet even bothered to sweep up the broken shards from the pavement outside. Hamas is in complete control of the city and every one of the 15 council members is from the movement.
One of the councilmen apologizes that he cannot meet with us: "We've decided to lay low since we might be arrested by the PA or kidnapped and harmed by Fatah. God knows when this situation will end. Drunk on its own power after its victory Hamas in Gaza forgot about its brothers in the West Bank. 150 of them have been kidnapped or arrested over the last few fays, one was shot in killed in Nablus and many more were wounded."
dog eat dog , I love it....
Nothing like having faith in your convictions.
I have heard some men, after shaving their beards, are getting circumcized.
Men who have recently shaved after wearing a beard can be easily identified by the untanned skin on their chin.
As long as they are killing each other and leaving the Israelis alone, I say go get ‘em boys!
Its Allahs will. This what he wanted.
It’s Israel and America’s fault that poor palestinians have to shave their beards! (src off)
Simon says you may remove your beard.
Meanwhile in Iraq they're killing barbers who shave your face, and in Iran they're harrassing barbers who provide "Western" haircuts.
What a crazy and kooky coven of Satanic worship Islam is.
That's right. An Islamic haircut for every scalp, and an Islamic beard for every face.
It's priorities like those that have rocketed Islamic culture from the 6th century to the 5th century in only 1500 years.
If they’re Muslims, they’re already circumcised.
That’s exactly the problem... ouch.
ROFL! Thanks, that made my day...
Is nothing sacred?
What’s next?
Showers?
Toilet Paper?
Toothpaste?
Underwear?
Clean Clothes?
“It’s priorities like those that have rocketed Islamic culture from the 6th century to the 5th century in only 1500 years.”
If they were limited to weapons of Muslim technology, they’d be fighting with scimitars.
LOL! And you expect that members of the ROP would even know what these items are?
Just so we are clear; this factional fighting between Fatah and Hamas, right? When does the blame Bush, Global Warming, and Israel angle get worked in?
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