Gaza (MNN) ― Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah has decided to dismantle the Hamas-Fatah coalition government in Gaza under a state of emergency.
This comes after Hamas proved nearly successful in a complete takeover of the Gaza Strip. A Hamas military victory in Gaza would split Palestinian territory into two, with the Islamic extremists controlling the coastal strip and Western-backed Fatah ruling the West Bank.
E3 Partners' Tom Doyle says the situation boiled over from pent-up frustration over Hamas' inability to be the solution to the problems in Gaza. "They're unable to deliver on their promises, just like the Palestinian Authority hasn't, and there's been growing frustration. So Hamas and Fatah, which is the group from Palestinian Authority, are just fighting, and it's now a chaotic situation."
Meanwhile, the European Commission has suspended humanitarian aid destined for Gaza because of the escalating violence. That's exacerbating an already severe crisis for those caught in the crossfire. The chances for peace seem slim. Fatah promised a crushing reprisal attack, but thus far only a disorganized answer has been heard.
Unity among Christians in the West Bank is fractious. Doyle says they're addressing that with a breakthrough conference that's coming in the next month. Leaders are bathing it in prayer. "It's bringing Muslim background believers, Christian background believer, and evangelical background believers together--all three, for times of working together, praying, forgiveness, moving forward. They want to see the churches more integrated."
