Egypt transfers arms, ammunition to Fatah

[oberliner]

Egypt transfered a large quantity of arms and ammunition to Palestinian Authority security organizations in the Gaza Strip Wednesday. The move was carried out with Israel's approval and was made in an effort to bolster Fatah affiliated groups, following clashes with Hamas paramilitary organizations.

The shipment included 2,000 AK-47 rifles, 20,000 magazines and two million rounds of ammunition. The arms and ammunition were transfered from Egypt to Israel through the Kerem Shalom crossing, in coordination with the Israel Defense Force and with the government's authorization.

The four trucks carrying the weapons were accompanied by Military Police, and crossed into the Gaza Strip through the Karni crossing, where PA security personnel received the shipment.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/806603.html

[cali]

1. Egypt sends weapons through Israel

By AMY TEIBEL, Associated Press Writer
51 minutes ago



JERUSALEM - Egypt has sent a large shipment of weapons through Israeli territory to shore up forces loyal to the embattled Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli security officials said Thursday — an extraordinary show of support by both countries for his efforts to renew peacemaking with Israel.

Israel approved the transfer of 2,000 automatic rifles, 20,000 ammunition clips and 2 million bullets on Wednesday, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the shipment had not been officially confirmed by Israel, the Palestinians or Egypt.

Abbas, locked in a power struggle with anti-Israel Hamas militants, has long sought to strengthen the arsenal available to security services under his control.

Israel initially balked at letting additional weapons through, for fear they would be used against Israelis.

<snip>

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061228/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_palestinians_62

[dave_p]

2. Lunacy

How unfortunate that they're supporting the people who don't actually represent the democratic will of the Palestinian people. And how tragic to see the PLO reduced to an Israeli stooge.

Like it or not, Hamas got elected. And Israel and its allies are going to have to talk to them one day. They're the ones who demanded more power for the (now Hamas-dominated) Palestinian legislature in the first place.

If Israel persists in its obsession with destroying the elected Palestinian leadership, it risks facing something far worse. Israeli leaders will doubtless flatter themselves that "I told you so". But at that point peace will become impossible.

[papau]

3. So - "the democratic will of the Palestinian people" was not PA corruption out - it was war forever?

The "elected PA leadership" - Hamas - needs to get a clue that Abbas was also elected.

The upcoming new elections should sort things out as both parts of government will be on the ballot this time.

[cali]

4. Well, I support Abbas and Fatah.

Of course the Palestinian people voted in Hamas, but let's face it, that hasn't worked to their advantage. Oh, and you forgot to call Egypt's Mubarak, an Israeli stooge.

[Phx_Dem]

5. Palestinian group: Egyptian arms will be used against Israel

The Popular Resistance Committees on Thursday warned that arms transferred by Egypt to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement will reach its operatives who will use them against Israel .

"We vow to show the Israelis very soon the weapons they lately channeled to the Presidential Guards and to the security services will be directed against the occupation," Muhammad Abdel Al, a spokesperson for the group said.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3345742,00.html

I hope this is just talk.

[pelsar]

6. of course it isnt...

the black market in gaza is strong....and that includes weapons.....just like the last time, when israel armed the PA, those weapons were used against israelis....