Questions arise about Hamas' absence in fight with Israel
Hamas and Islamic Jihad are touting their unity following a brief dust-up after Hamas sat out the most recent battle between Israel and the resistance.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Speculation is still swirling about why Hamas didn't participate in the fighting last month between Israel and Islamic Jihad, but the factions say they have put the controversy behind them and their ties are as strong as ever.
Fighting broke out in reaction to Israel’s assassination Nov. 12 of prominent Islamic Jihad military commander Bahaa Abu el-Atta and his wife, Asma Mohammed, in a targeted strike on their house in the Gaza Strip. Later that day, an Israeli missile attack left Islamic Jihad leader Akram al-Ajouri alive in Damascus, but his son Moaz did not survive.
The escalation ended Nov. 14 with a truce between Israel and Islamic Jihad brokered by the United Nations and Egypt.
There were media reports that Islamic Jihad initially resented Hamas for not participating in the latest escalation. However, a Hamas delegation offered condolences to Islamic Jihad after Abu el-Atta’s assassination. Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’ political bureau, paid his respects to Islamic Jihad Secretary-General Ziad al-Nakhalah on Nov. 15, and they agreed to beef up cooperation.
