The Popular Resistance Committees, a violent group made up largely of former members of Abbas' Fatah movement, later claimed responsibility. The group said it killed Arafat, a cousin of the late Yasser Arafat, to punish him for alleged corruption after the Palestinian security forces had taken no action against him. "We have implemented God's law," a spokesman, Mohammed Abdel Al, told The Associated Press.
Abbas said he would track down the killers - a pledge immediately put to the test by the bold claim of responsibility. Abdel Al said his group would resist arrest or any attempt to be disarmed. Abbas had said just a few days ago he would try to bring renegade Fatah fighters under control within three weeks.
The killing heightened concerns that Abbas will not be able to restore order in the increasing lawless coastal strip where armed gangs control the streets. Palestinian officials said they viewed the killing as an attack on the government. Abbas convened his top security officials and Palestinian security forces were put on high alert.
When Israel left Gaza I had a feeling the Palestinians would begin killing each other, given the power vacuum left after Yasir Arafat's death. This latest bloodshed may be just the start.
Scott at Powerline: "Is there anyone in his right mind who seriously believes that conferring statehood on the PA is the ticket to a happy future for those in Arafatistan?"
Wretchard:
There will be those who may take the view that these incidents are unavoidable bumps on the road to the eventual liberation of Arabs from the Israeli yoke, a road signposted by the UN-funded banners which read "Gaza Today. The West Bank and Jerusalem Tomorrow". The question of course, is what if they are not regrettable incidents, but events which characterize the new regime in Gaza? Many of those who rejoiced at Ernst Rohm's demise in the Night of the Long Knives comforted themselves by believing it was a case of one set of hoodlums rubbing out the other. It was true; but it was also irrelevant.
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