Israel Matzav

IDF concludes Hamas controls Gaza Strip

Israel's military has concluded that Hamas succeeded in seizing Fatah-controlled property and equipment in the Gaza Strip.

Officials said Hamas has taken most or all of the property along the Gaza beach evacuated by Israel in 2005. They said the ruling Islamic movement also captured weapons, communications and other equipment financed by the United States and meant for the Fatah-aligned security agencies led by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

"Hamas is taking over Fatah and Abbas properties and equipment that the international community is bringing into Gaza," Brig. Gen. Yossi Baidatz, the director of Military Intelligence's research division, said.

In an address to the diplomatic corps on May 18, Baidatz said Hamas has demonstrated military superiority to Fatah-aligned PA agencies, including the Presidential Guard and the National Security Forces. The brigadier said Hamas was trained in warfare modeled after the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 8:47 PM