A Palestinian Civil War Looms

Over Thirty Palestinians Dead In Two Weeks

Israel is assassinating both Hamas and Fatah leaders in an effort to start a civil war. They execute a leader, and then Israel's Fatah operatives will orchestrate a rally in response to the killings. At the rallys, the Israeli snipers, posing as Hamas gunmen, will shoot into the crowd, causing more tension.

Israeli assassination teams are killing clerics, police leaders, and their families on both Hamas and Fatah sides.

	Prominent Cleric Killed A prominent Muslim cleric, known for his known for his anti-Hamas views, was shot dead on Friday moments after he delivered a sermon calling for an end to factional fighting between Hamas and Fatah.

Fatah Party Colonel Killed

The assassination came the day after seven Fatah men were killed during the bloodiest fight in weeks of factional fighting. Amongst those killed in Thursday's bloody were Colonel Mohammed Ghayeb, a top Fatah official in northern Gaza. Six body guards were killed and his wife was wounded when Hamas gunmen besieged Ghayeb’s home.

	Bush Backs Fatah The Bush administration will provide $86 million to strengthen security forces loyal to Abbas, according to documents seen by Reuters on Friday.