We keep hearing the same old rhetoric used to describe the new and improved moderate Fatah government: “New Government,” “New Opportunity,” “Fresh Start,” etc. PA and Fatah Chairman Mahmoud Abbas continues to play his role in this ugly game to perfection. In the true spirit of “moderation,” he has outlawed all weapons that are not in the hands of his Security Service (S.S.). “Abbas bans carrying explosives, arms without license in W. Bank,” from Ha”aretz :
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday outlawed all armed Palestinian groups except for the official PA security services.
“On the basis of the declaration of a state of emergency in the Palestinian territories, and by virtue of my authority, all armed militias, groups and brigades that do not belong in practice to the security services shall be treated as illegal organizations,” read the first order.
The order forbade such groups to conduct any activity, whether secret or public, and said that criminal investigations would be opened against anyone caught participating in such activity.
“The government must halt the phenomenon of armed groups, prevent the bearing of arms and confiscate guns, explosives and any type of weaponry purchased illegally, since they endanger the public order,” the decree continued.
Needless to say, the point is moot. In “Fatah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad Ignore Weapons Prohibition” in INN, the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (a Fatah group) had this to say about the weapons ban:
The Al-Aksa Martyrs Brigade, which is linked to Abbas”s Fatah, was among those to announce an intention to keep their weapons. Zacharia Zubeidi, the group’s head in Jenin, said, “Abu Mazen [a/k/a Abbas] meant the illegal weapons owned by criminal organizations, but our weapons are legitimate””the weapons of the resistance organizations.” Another wanted terrorist, Abu Aziz, called Abbas”s proclamation “irresponsible,” but said he would consider turning in his weapons if Israel would guarantee his safety.
In fact, a spokesman from the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade today denied there ever was an order to disarm. This from “Terrorists deny Abbas’ disarm claims” by Aaron Klein for WND:
TEL AVIV — Members of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ declared military wing, the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, today denied claims by Abbas he asked the terror group to turn in their weapons, stating officials instead have encouraged them to continue their “resistance” activities.
“No one from Abbas’ office ever asked us to disarm,” Nasser Abu Aziz, the deputy commander of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in the northern West Bank, told WND. “We will never disarm until all issues are settled, including a complete Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and Jerusalem and the right of return for all Palestinian refugees.”
Abu Yousuf, a leader of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Ramallah, told WND Abbas’ claims the Brigades will disarm “are more of a message meant for the Israelis, the Americans and the international community.”
“No one (from Abbas’ office) addressed a single member of the Brigades and asked us to turn in our weapons,” he said.
“A message for the West” is a common thread here. Say one thing and do the opposite. Whatever it takes to keep the cash flowing. And the West falls for it again and again.
One down. Hamas also cordially refused. “Hamas dismisses Abbas decree to ban all armed militia,” from Xinhuanet:
Abu Obaida, spokesman of Hamas’ military wing the al-Qassam Brigades, said President Mahmoud Abbas’ decree was “mere ink on paper and doesn’t worth the ink that was used to write it.” “The resistance groups will not wait any decree when they go to combat the invasion and no one has the right to determine the groups’ future as long as the occupation remains in place,” said Abu Obaida.
So much for Abbas and his plans. As if he actually has a chance of enforcing this edict. As usual, it’s all smoke and mirrors. A pretty facade for Western consumption. Hi Mom”¦send money.
And what has Fatah been up to recently”¦.conveniently ignored by the MSM? “Fatah combatants launch an RPG at an Israeli military base on Gaza’s border,” from Ma”an News Agency :
Date: 26 / 06 / 2007 Time: 21:00 Gaza — Ma”an — The Fatah-affiliated Al Buraq Army announced that they launched a rocket-propelled grenade at the Israeli military position at Karni Crossing, between Israel and the Gaza Strip, on Tuesday.
“We are retaliating for Israeli aggression and assassinations and will stick to the choice of resistance,” said the brigades in a statement.
More Fatah activity: “Fatah and Hamas-affiliated fighters claim involvement in fighting Israeli forces in southern Gaza,” from Ma”an News Agency :
Date: 27 / 06 / 2007 Time: 12:33 Gaza – Ma’an – The Fatah-affiliated Al Buraq Army has claimed to have been involved in a gunfight with Israeli Special Forces in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday morning.
The guns are not only still out there, but they are now pointed at Israel. RPG”s as well. I guess Olmert’s goodwill gestures weren’t rich enough.
The MSM still refuses to cover any Fatah hostilities — to do so would surely interrupt the lovefest. As long as the naughty bits are swept under the rug, the West (and Israel) can continue to satisfy their undying hunger for appeasement.
We”ve been down this road before and nothing was accomplished. In fact, the situation is much worse. Iran — that is, Hamas — rules Gaza, and it seems like only a matter of time before the West Bank falls as well.
Why does anyone think that supporting the “moderate” Jihadists will work now?
Crossposted from The American Israeli Patriot.