Israeli Attacks Backfire, Unite Hamas, Fatah
Mel Frykberg, 17/7/08
During the last few weeks Israeli troops have raided and closed down mosques, medical centers, charities, soup kitchens and shopping malls in Nablus, confiscating computers and buses, and causing extensive damage, as they target Hamas-linked institutions which they claim are “supporting terrorism,” in a bid to stem the growing influence the Islamic organization has over the West Bank. Not only has this move failed to stem the enthusiasm and empathy many Palestinians have for Hamas, and the support it provides for disadvantaged Palestinians; but it also appears to be backfiring with the moderate and pro-Western Palestinian Authority (PA) and in the process, narrowing the gap, however minutely, between the PA and Hamas.
See: http://www.metimes.com/International/2008/07/17/israeli_attacks_ backfire_unite_hamas_fatah/2584/