October 3, 2006.
Hamas has smuggled up to 1,300 tons of weapons from Egypt into Gaza and is
preparing for the option of launching a large-scale conflict with Israel. So states
a Fatah report quoted by WorldNetDaily.
The weapons, WND reports, include between several hundred and 1,300 tons
of advanced rockets; anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles; rocket propelled
grenades; raw explosives; rifles; ammunition; and other heavy weaponry.
Israel has long complained that the arrangements at the Egypt-Gaza border
crossing are not satisfactory, and that the European monitors are ineffectual in
stopping the smuggling. Then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon agreed to the deal
last November, after U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice arrived in the
region and gave her stamp of approval.
WND’s Aaron Klein quotes Abu Ahmed, leader of the northern Gaza chapter of
the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terror group, as saying the terrorists are working
towards, and succeeding in, turning Gaza into a Hizbullah-like threat against
Israel.
“We learned from Hizbullah’s victory that Israel can be defeated if we know
how to hit them and if we are well prepared,” Abu Ahmed said. “We are
importing rockets and the knowledge to launch them and we are also making
many plans for battle.”
WND also quotes another terrorist leader – Abu Abdullah, reported to be a top
member of the Izaddin Al-Kassam Brigades of Hamas – detailing the preparations
for war against Israel.
“In the last 15 months,” Abu Adullah said, ” though the fighters of Hamas kept
the ceasefire, we did not stop making important advancements and professional
training on the military level. In the future, after Hamas is obliged to stop the
ceasefire, the world shall see our new military capabilities.” He said that Hamas
and Hizbullah, which has cells in Sinai, are cooperating in importing rockets and
guerilla training.
