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Hamas turns blind eye to Fatah’s military activities in Gaza

Fatah-affiliated militias are operating in Gaza to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ displeasure and with no restrictions from Hamas, which says it welcomes every contribution to an armed resistance against Israel.
Palestinian militants from al-Husine brigade loyal to Fatah movement is seen during a military-style exercise graduation ceremony in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, September 20, 2015. REUTERS/Suhaib Salem  - RTS20TV
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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.

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