Mass Hamas rally in Gaza

In a mass rally celebrating 19 years of the Hamas organization, PM Haniyeh spoke to the crowds while surrounded by a ring of bodyguards.

Haniyeh said that people join Hamas not for becoming ministers but for becoming martyrs. He was referring to the futility of the assassination attempt on his life last night, saying that no particular death will affect the Hamas.

Haniyeh said that his tour of Arab states and Iran was usccessful and that Iran promised 100 million dollars to support the Hamas government.

Haniyeh called for interior unity and a cease of civil violence. He also declared that Hamas will never recognize Israel.

In fightings between Hamas and Fatah operatives in Ramallah and the Gaza Strip at least 16 people were injured.

Assad urges Olmert to see if he is serious

In an interview to Italian newspaper, La Republica, Syrian president, Assad, said that the USA and Europe will have to talk with Syria and Iran in order solve the crisis in Iraq.

Assad also urged Olmert to take a chance on him and see that his intentions are serious. Assad was referring to some peace overtures the Syrian President made in the past months.

Assad said that Syria is willing to work constructively with Washington to solve regional issues, for if the conflicts in the region in Iraq, Lebanon and the Israeli-palestinian conflict the neighbouring countries will pay the price.

Over the past months Assad made references to the Golan Heights and said that if no negotiation will be initiated to return it to Syria, it will have to do it by force.

Two Qassam Rockets were fired from Gaza

Earlier today, two Qassam rockets were fired from the Gaza strip on the Israeli city of Sderot.

One of the rockets landed in open territory and the other landed in Sderot's industrial zone.

No casualties were caused by the two rockets.

Over 20 Qassam rockets were launched by Palestinian militants since a ceasefire was declared in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinians.

Shootings in Ramallah

At least 10 people were injured in fightings in Ramallah, in the West Bank, as Fatah supporters clash with Hamas operatives. The reports are of massive shootings and a warlike atmosphere. Ramallah is the seat of the Palestinian presidency.
In Gaza, sporadic fighting continues since yesterday and at least 4 people were injured.

The Center of Ramallah is a closed military zone

Due to rising tensions in the Palestinian Authority, the local police declared the center of Ramallah a closed military zone. This step was staken after Hamas supporters and members of the Fatah oriented Al-Akza brigades announced that they will hold processions through the city after Friday prayers. Security personal have already deployed in the city, while in earler gunfire 6 people were injured.

Tensions between Hamas and Fatah, high to begin with, rose to a peak after the failed assassination attempt on Ismail Haniyeh, the Palestinian PM, yesterday in Gaza.

Hamas swore retribution and blames Mohammad Dahlan, chief of security in Gaza and member of Fatah, for the attempt. In addition, fighting took place in several locations in the Gaza Strip.

Many in Israel and elsewhere believe that the Palestinians are well on their way to an all out civil war.

Fears of riots at Haniyeh's bodayguard's funeral

The funeral of Palestinian PM's, Ismail Haniyeh, bodyguard who was killed yesterday in a botched up assassination attempt on Haniyeh may become a riot catalyst. So it is reported and feared in Gaza. Haniyeh came into Gaza through the Rafah Pass yesteday after being detained in the Siani for 8 hours by Palestinian and Egyptian troops. As he came through, fire was opened on his motorcade and one of his bodyguards was killed and several others injured including Haniyeh's son.
Hamas blames Fatah for the shooting and promises retribution. Fatah officials deny any involvement in the shooting.
Tensions have already been running high in Gaza as several assassinations took place there during the past week; the last of a Hamas appointed judge just two days ago. Hamas and Fatah are in the midst of a power struggle in Gaza.

Compromise in the Labor Party

In the Labor Party conference which was held yesterday, a compromise was reached between supporters of Amir Peretz, (top photo) the chairman of Labor, and his opponents, headed by former Admiral, Ami Ayalon (lower photo), who has already made it clear that he plans to run against Peretz in the next primary elections.

The date of the primary elections will remain the 28th of May, 2007. Peretz hoped to postpone the election as his public status is very bad since the war with Hezbollah last summer.

However, Peretz had been granted a leave of 6 weeks, until the 30th of January, in which new members may be enrolled into the party. Ayalon hoped that the membership books would be closed in two weeks as formerly decided. Peretz, a master at subscribing, has his work cut out for him, and he had already made it clear that he plans to enroll 50,000 new members.

Assassination attempt on Hanieyh

After an 8 hour long delay, PM Ismail Haniyeh, crossed the Rafah Pass from the Siani into Gaza. While crossing, fire was opened on the motorcade in which he was riding.
In the crossifre which ensued, one of Haniyeh's bodyguards was killed and another was injured; A political aide was also hurt.
Another person who was wounded is the PM's 27 year old son, Abbed. According to Palestinian sources none of the injuries was grave.
The Hamas are blaming the Pesidential Guard of Abu Mazen, of the Fatah, for the attack, and demand of Abu Mazen to take immediate steps to bring those responsible to justice.
The shooting is another escalation in the struggle between Fatah and Hamas for domination in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority.