Posted on 01/04/2010 8:59:21 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
A year after Israeli forces devastated the Gaza Strip, relief workers and others say the overcrowded Palestinian territory, throttled by economic blockade, is being steadily infiltrated by militants inspired by al-Qaida who are getting ready to challenge Hamas for control. The operational capabilities of these groups, which follow the puritanical Salafist strain of Sunni Islam, remain rather murky. But the last thing Israel wants is jihadist groups active on its southern border.
Hamas is faced with eroding popular support following Israel's 22-day invasion in which some 1,200 Gazans, mostly civilians, perished.
These groups are reported to have a combined strength of some 2,000 fighters. Many of them are said to be former members of Fatah, the mainstream Palestinian movement that was driven out of Gaza by Hamas in June 2007.
The extent of the Salafist infiltration became evident Aug. 15, when Hamas sent its elite security unit, the Executive Force, against an organization called Jund al-Ansar Allah, or Warriors of God, in the south Gaza town of Rafah after its leader proclaimed an Islamic emirate there.
The leader, a fiery preacher named Abdul Latif Abu Moussa, was killed along with 20 followers in a fierce gun battle around Rafah's Ibn Taymiyah mosque.
(Excerpt) Read more at spacewar.com ...
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find only things evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelogus
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