Analysis: Surge in violence "arose from Hamas internal row"

[oberliner]

(Reuters) - An ill-fated attempt to smooth over a dispute in Gaza's Palestinian Islamist movement was the real reason behind the salvo of mortars Hamas fired at Israel four-days-ago, triggering a flare-up of fighting, observers say.

If it was a ploy, it went badly wrong. Ten people have been killed in the cycle of violence, and some on both sides fear a new war could erupt unless it is contained.

Thursday, Palestinian militants fired more rockets and Israel directed more air strikes at the enclave, as the spiral of armed exchanges showed no sign of abating.

Hamas and Israel are now intent on putting the lid back on. Both vow they will not back off in the face of aggression, but both have made clear they also do not want to see the cycle of attack and retaliation escalate into a major clash.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/24/us-palestinians-israel-idUSTRE72N50920110324

[here_is_to_hope]

1. ...

Thursday, Palestinian militants troops fired more rockets and Israel directed more air strikes at the enclave, as the spiral of armed exchanges showed no sign of abating.

[oberliner]

2. Why would you use the word "troops" in this instance?

Are you implying that these are members of the Palestinian security forces launching these attacks?

I certainly doubt that is the case.