A growing number of Palestinian groupings and clans are taking to the streets, the Palestinian Authority-controlled Al-Ayyam newspaper reported yesterday.
The paper’s lead item speaks of the appearance of vigilante groupings and militias in the Palestinian street in Gaza. A leitmotif of reports in the Palestinian media, both television and print, over the last few weeks has been the call for national unity.
There have been problems in Gaza between Hamas and Fatah forces. In addition, family feuds have led to armed clashes. The Palestinian leadership is scared that the situation could deteriorate and affect public order.
There is a clear fear among the Palestinian leadership, expressed in the press, that they are gradually losing control in Gaza.
The article later on makes reference to the Colin Powell speech calling for a change in the Palestinian leadership and for monitoring Palestinian elections. The article includes an attack on Israel for not implementing international decisions.