Hamas continues to arm itself and strengthen its forces in Gaza during the calm: In the last few days, 600 rifles and many ammunition clips have been smuggled into Gaza from Egypt. Hamas has also been equipping itself with anti-aircraft missiles and has been boosting its long-term development of Kassam rockets.
Israel is blaming the Palestinian Authority for not keeping its promise to stop terror, specifically stating that the security forces are not doing enough to stop suspects and that members of Gaza army intelligence are actually aiding suspects in their flight. In about two weeks, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will meet with President George Bush to brief him on the worrisome situation and request that he not move the roadmap forward as long as PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas continues to allow the growth of terror organizations. |