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U.S.: Fatah Warned of Hamas Militia for Years

The Palestinian Authority security advisor Muhammed Dahlan repeatedly warned over the last three years that Hamas was building an armed militia in Gaza, United States Assistant Secretary of State David Walsh said on Tuesday.
 
Walsh dismissed allegations of U.S. involvement in arming any Palestinian party in order to feed the inter-factional fighting or inflame civil war in the territories, he told Palestinian reporters in Jerusalem.
 
All the American assistance was directed to the legitimate Palestinian security apparatuses and was limited to training and consultation. “We are supporting the Palestinian security forces as part of the efforts to establish statehood, being able to bring in security and stability to local people,” he said.
 
The American official reiterated his government’s decision to continue its humanitarian aid for Gaza residents, but confirmed official relations will only be with the legitimate government in Ramallah.
 
“We have in Ramallah now a president and a prime minister. Both believe in peace as the only way to realize national aspirations.”
 
Referring to the speech by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at the summit in Sharm A-Sheikh on Monday, Walsh said Olmert has set out important objectives regarding the transfer of tax revenues to the P.A., renewing security and economic cooperation, and easing up restrictions on the freedom of movement in West Bank.
 
“This is considered an important agenda, but what I found interesting and attractive here is the issue of the establishment of a Palestinian state.”
 
Walsh concluded by advising Hamas to change its agenda and strategies, saying “Hamas has to think where they will take the Palestinian people. I think its time for Hamas to make big decisions and shifts in policies.”