Traditional Groups Challenge Hamas in Gaza

Traditional centers of power in the Palestinian Gaza Strip, including influential families, political movements and homegrown militias, have stepped up to challenge Hamas in the absence of any Palestinian Authority governmental institutions. That is the finding of a new report by the International Crisis Group, an independent, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that works to resolve and prevent deadly conflict around the world.

The report, published December 20 and titled "Inside Gaza: The Challenge of Clans and Families," says that Hamas' political wing is being forced to deal with unforeseen challenges since the popular political and terrorist group took power from the Fatah Party of the Palestinian Authority earlier this year. The Gaza Strip has been in constant turmoil for the past six months, and Israel this week launched a military incursion into the Palestinian territory, killing six, the International Middle East Media Center says.

Nicolas Pelham, Senior Analyst in Jerusalem for the Crisis Group, says, "Clans and families provide sustenance, protection, power and patronage and have shown the capacity to resist central authority whenever cornered and seek revenge when nursing grievances."

Since taking power in Gaza, the report says, Hamas has tried to demonstrate its ability to provide order and sound governance. Given the continuing conflict with the Fatah Party, though, Crisis Group says support from Gaza's family and clan groupings will be crucial. Tensions continue with Israel as well, the International Middle East Media Center says, noting that just three months ago Israel declared the Gaza Strip as hostile and has since that time taken steps to punish the area for threats to Israel's security.

Hamas has had great difficulty controlling conditions in Gaza, the Crisis Group report says, because of a suffering economy and harsh tactics that have diminished the organization's level of support. Robert Malley, the Middle East Program Director for the Crisis Group, says, "Ultimately, effective governance and a resolution of the crisis in Gaza necessitate political reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas and territorial unity with the West Bank, as well as a ceasefire with Israel and an end to its siege." "In the meantime," Malley continued, "Hamas could help preserve order and improve prospects for stability by taking steps to cease brutal measures, broaden participation in its rule and reach a workable arrangement with Gaza's families."

The Crisis Group offers detailed information on the situation in the Gaza Strip on a special Arab-Israeli conflict web page, which can be linked from the Crisis Group's web site.

Sources: International Crisis Group web site, International Middle East Media Center web site, and International Crisis Group Arab-Israeli Conflict web site