Israel Matzav

'Palestinian' Civil War Update - Mortars shot at Mazen's office; Zahar survives assassination attempt

The 'Palestinian' Civil War continued throughout the day today. In Gaza City, two mortars were fired at the office of 'moderate' Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Abu Mazen. YNet reports that six people were injured, including five 'security officers' and a 45-year old woman. The 'moderate' 'Palestinian Preident' was in his Ramallah, Samaria office at the time.

Earlier today, a 19-year old woman died of wounds sustained when she was caught in cross-fire between Fatah and Hamas terrorists in Gaza City and shot in the chest. Rumor has it that the United Nations Human Rights Council will not be sending Bishop Desmond Tutu to investigate this shooting.

In the northern Gaza Strip, 'gunmen' opened fire on a 'procession' organized by the 'moderate' Fatah movement. Eyewitnesses reported that at least three people were injured.

YNet also reports that about 4,000 'gunmen' from the 'moderate' Fatah-affiliated Presidential Guard (also known as Force 17) and the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades took over the 'Transportation and Agriculture Ministries' in Gaza. Hamas referred to the incidents as a "military coup," and Palestinian Foreign Minister Chief Money Smuggler Mahmoud al-Zahar demanded that the offices be evacuated. No word yet on whether that has happened.

The Jerusalem Post reports that al-Zahar was the victim of an assassination attempt this morning.

Earlier Sunday, Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar's convoy came under fire as it passed through Gaza City, and members of his Hamas movement accused Fatah rivals of trying to assassinate him.

The shooting took place as Zahar, a senior Hamas official, was traveling near the Foreign Ministry. "It appears the target was Dr. Zahar," said Taher Nunu, a spokesman for Zahar.

Hamas officials said Zahar was unharmed, and there were no other injuries. But the shooting added to the rising tensions between Fatah and Hamas.

Better luck next time....

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 6:08 PM