Human Rights Watch has issued a report on crimes committed by Hamas on fellow Palestinians after the Israeli incursion into Gaza.
During the war, "Hamas authorities ... took extraordinary steps to control, intimidate, punish and at times eliminate their internal political rivals as well as persons suspected of collaborating with Israel," the report said.
Eighteen Palestinians were killed by Hamas-linked gunmen during the three-week war, which ended Jan. 18, and 14 others were killed afterward, the report said. In addition, 49 Gazans were shot in the legs by masked gunmen between Dec. 28 and Jan. 31, and 73 had their arms or legs broken, the report said, citing a rights group linked to Abbas.
Is this the proper behavior for a group seeking legitimacy on the world stage? Hamas representatives were elected to the Parliament to represent Gaza before their coup against Fatah and should likely be making more of an effort to be less like Bush in regards to their fellow citizens.
Months long efforts by Egypt to help form an unity government between Hamas and Fatah have to date proven unsuccessful and certainly this type of activity may by part of the problem in reaching that goal.
Fatah has responded to the crimes by taking the eye for an eye approach on the West Bank.
Abbas' security forces have been cracking down on Hamas in the West Bank since the militants seized Gaza. Hamas detainees in West Bank prisons have complained of mistreatment, including beatings and being tied up in painful positions. In January and February, one detainee died in custody, and 31 complained of mistreatment, Human Rights Watch said.
Despite the lack of progress to date, Egypt should continue to work to help unite Palestinians with the objective of negotiating a formal peace treaty with Israel.
George Mitchel! Please work your magic now!