Israel lets through arms cargo for Fatah

[applegrove]

Israel lets through arms cargo for Fatah
Rifles, ammo give boost to Abbas in armed conflict with Hamas

December 29, 2006
Mark Lavie
Associated Press

JERUSALEM–With Israel's blessing, Egypt has delivered a large arms shipment to forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, officials said yesterday – the latest Israeli attempt to boost the embattled leader in his bloody conflict with the militant Islamic movement Hamas.

Though there has been a week-long hiatus in armed clashes, Palestinians fear the heavily armed security forces of Hamas, which runs the Palestinian government, and Fatah could erupt in violence at any time.

Israel has been trying to reinforce Abbas's standing among his people. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said Abbas is a partner for negotiations – unlike Hamas, which rejects the existence of Israel and refuses to renounce violence.

Amos Gilad, a senior Israeli Defence Ministry official, told Israel Radio the military assistance was rendered to reinforce the "forces of peace" against the "forces of darkness" threatening the region, a reference to Islamic extremists.

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http://www.thestar.com/article/166128