Israeli-Palestinian Conflict or Intra-Palestinian Conflict?

In Gaza, A Blurry Line Between Enemies and Friends
A10, 8/5/08
By Ethan Bronner

Bronner considers the fighting between Hamas and Fatah in Gaza a part of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This choice, however, reflects an unwillingness to acknowledge the independent nature of the Fatah-Hamas strife.

Bronner promises to unveil how these “developments in fact mirror a more complex set of relationships and shifting alliances that help explain why this conflict remains so difficult to resolve;” but his promise goes unfulfilled. His talk of complexity appears to be a cover for not really knowing how to cover the story. His tepidness is further reflected in the follow-up sentence where he disclaims, “where to begin is problematic.”

Finally, he settles on the explanation that the current fighting originates in Hamas’ efforts, dating back to 2007, to consolidate its power in Gaza.

Abbas’ cold-heartedness is evident in his decision to deny entry to battered Fatah members who seek refuge from Gaza in the west bank. “Gaza should not be stripped of all Fatah followers, and more would doubtless follow if they were let in,” reports Bronner on Abbas’ decision

The reader is surprised to read that “some Hilles members are with Hamas,” and the Hilles clan was not involved in fighting in the Strip in June 2007. Why then did clan members attack Hamas last week, or why did Hamas pick a fight with Hilles if they were not behind the attack? Bronner offers no answers to basic questions about the story.

The author tries as hard as possible to raise doubts about Israeli intelligence’s decision to interrogate certain Fatah members. “Israeli security forces…considered them terrorists who had possibly shot Israeli soldiers, etc.” (Italics added for emphasis.)

One redeeming statement appears, as the reporter states, “Israel helped save the lives of some of its enemies.” Furthermore, Bronner offers space to Avi Benayahu, an army spokesman, who rightly points out that Israel is not getting enough positive coverage on its humanitarian action. The full quote is offered, the ending of which is crucial for readers to see. “Israel has not received any praises for its actions. Yet this is the kind of army we have,” said Benayahu.

MA