BICOM

A report in this morning’s Haaretz claims that Damascus based Hamas bureau chief Khaled Meshaal has instructed Hamas in the Gaza Strip and West Bank to cease attacks on Israeli targets. He has reportedly called instead for a focus on ‘popular struggle’, in the context of the attempt to forge a common position with the rival Fatah faction in the West Bank, and in line with the approach of the ‘Arab Spring’. However, Hamas leaders in Gaza were reportedly ‘surprised’ by Meshaal’s statement. Haaretz and quotes Hamas interior minister Fathi Hamad as saying that the Hamas leadership in Gaza will not necessarily abide by the decision. The Jerusalem Post reported this morning that the IDF believe Hamas and other armed groups in the Gaza Strip are planning attempts to kidnap more Israeli soldiers, following the success of the Shalit prisoner exchange deal.

These reports are indicative of an increasing rivalry between the internal and external leaderships of Hamas. Whilst the Damascus based external leadership has been under strain due to the turmoil in Syria and is showing a more pragmatic face, the internal leadership has been emboldened by the Shalit deal and the improved relations with neighbouring Egypt. Gaza based Hamas prime minister Ismail Haniyeh left Gaza this week for the first time in several years to conduct a tour of regional states.

Meanwhile other armed groups in Gaza continue to carry out attacks. Israeli aircraft bombed targets in Gaza last night following the launching of four rockets at Israel from the Gaza Strip. IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz warned on Tuesday that sooner or later the IDF would have to conduct another significant operation against armed groups in the Gaza Strip.