GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Despite the ban imposed by Hamas on Fatah’s activities in the Gaza Strip since it took control in June 2007, and despite the intensification of political differences between the two parties, the military relationship on the ground looks different: Fatah’s military wing, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, is conducting unrestricted military training in Gaza.
Questions arise regarding the nature of the relationship between Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades and Hamas and about the brigades’ adoption of armed resistance, although Fatah leader and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas rejects the armed struggle against Israel.