CHAOS IN GAZA

AFTER ISRAEL'S WITHDRAWAL, PALESTINIANS FROM GAZA ARE GOING TO BE BEGGING TO GET INTO ISRAEL AS IF THEY WERE BOAT PEOPLE.

International Red Cross Suspends Activity in Gaza over Security Situation - Arnon Regular
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Monday suspended all its field operations in the Gaza Strip in protest of the deterioration in security. The ICRC closed its offices in Khan Yunis indefinitely after gunmen fired dozens of bullets at them. A number of UN aid people have been abducted in Gaza in recent days, in events linked to rivalry among Palestinian security branches. (Ha'aretz)

Lawlessness Clouds Prospects for Gaza Revival - Charles Morris
The prospects for international aid donors hoping to foster a private sector-led recovery of the Gaza economy are clouded by uncertainty over the high level of lawlessness that currently afflicts Gazans. "There are almost daily incidents of killings and shootings, and the PA has done little to stop it," said Salah Abdel-Shafi, an economic consultant. Crimes range from carjacking to kidnapping and extortion. Most people blame the lawlessness on turf wars and family feuds involving elements of the security forces linked to rivals in the PA and Fatah, its dominant faction. Many blame Mahmoud Abbas for not using his overwhelming electoral mandate to crack down on lawless elements in his own camp. "Seventy percent of this lawlessness comes from within the PA," said Nasser Azzat. (Financial Times-UK)

Hamas Challenge Looms with Planned Withdrawal - Tod Robberson
A serious clash could be brewing as Hamas prepares to expand its presence on the streets of Gaza and in the settlement land it claims to be liberating from Israel. The potential is high for a repeat of the clashes that erupted over several days in mid-July when Palestinian security forces tried to clamp down on militias. Video footage from Gaza City showed Palestinian police pinned down by Hamas gunfire while civilians joined Hamas fighters in sacking and burning police equipment, including an armored vehicle. (Dallas Morning News)