Mideast press urges action on Gaza

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/6752329.stm

Version 0 of 1.

The Palestinian press makes an urgent appeal for action to prevent the violence in Gaza from turning into a full-blown civil war, urging President Abbas to call a state of emergency and ask for intervention from the region's Arab states.

Papers in the wider Middle East blame the violence on Palestinian leaders and demand fresh elections to resolve the power struggle between the Hamas and Fatah factions.

In Israel, commentators ponder how the country should react to the Palestinian infighting, with one advocating a total withdrawal of Israeli troops and settlers from the occupied territories.

Palestinian AL-QUDS

It seems we have reached the point of no return in this infighting and are witnessing the beginnings of civil war. Any talk of possible ceasefire agreements or the possibility that the consciences of the fighters might suddenly be jolted are just wishful thinking.

Umar Hilmi al-Ghul in Palestinian AL-AYYAM

The Fatah leadership needs to get back to the people it worked with for decades even if Hamas were to control the entire Gaza Strip. President Mahmoud Abbas needs to end his silence and announce a state of emergency.

Yusuf al-Qazaz in Palestinian AL-HAYAT AL-JADIDAH

All that is left for the Palestinian Authority especially President Mahmoud Abbas to do is ask for speedy Arab intervention to end the bloodshed of innocent civilians.

Mahmud Habbash in Palestinian AL-AYYAM

The only option is for the people to exorcise the demon of civil war. The people should take to the street to crush those supporting feuds and their rivals in this futile conflict. These people are pushing us towards the abyss and will not stop their reckless conflict unless the public puts pressure on them.

Hafith al-Barghuthi in Palestinian AL-HAYAT AL-JADIDAH

The Palestinian cause is not the only enterprise being assassinated. The Islamic project to replace the Arab regimes is also being buried. The Gaza infighting is a lesson to all other peoples that any Islamist endeavour to reach power is bound to end in savage fighting.

Arib Al-Rantwai in Jordan's AL-DUSTUR

What is going on in Gaza presents irrefutable evidence of the failure of all the Palestinian leaders and factions, without exception. The Palestinian president, prime minister, ministers and deputies should submit their resignations as this government has become a burden.

Editorial in pan-Arab AL-ARAB AL-ALAMIYAH

The bloody incidents in Gaza today between the "brotherly enemies" will consequently lead to the collapse of the Palestinian unity government. It is only logical for the Palestinians to hold elections once more.

Abd-al-Bari Atwan in pan-Arab AL-QUDS AL-ARABI

The world, which imposed a blockade on the Palestinians and refused to acknowledge the results of their elections should be held mainly responsible for what is going on currently. It should have given Hamas a chance in governance, but it did not. Gaza Strip is gradually turning into a small state doomed to failure.

Editorial in Egypt's AL-AHRAM

This regrettable situation is a free gift to Israel as it proves the validity of its claims that the Palestinians are not mature enough to gain independence or to administer their own conditions.

Calev Ben-David in Israel's JERUSALEM POST

Hamas may find its victory over Fatah is only the beginning of its problems. The group will need to deal with a hostile international community, tension with Egypt, internal ideological divisions and provision of services to Gaza's civilian population. Similar to King Pyrrhus, Hamas may find that though it won the battle, it has ultimately lost the war.

Calev Ben-David in Israel's JERUSALEM POST

A de facto division between Gaza and the West Bank would allow Israel to maintain its boycott of Hamas in Gaza... In this context, Israel should consider strengthening Abbas by transferring funds, renewing free movement for trade and lifting constraints on cooperation with Fatah members.

Amira Hass in Israel's HA'RETZ

It may be assumed that the military takeover of Abbas' symbols of "sovereignty" will serve as an excuse for Israel to sever once and for all the remaining civilian and economic ties between the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

Yael Paz-Melamed in Israel's MA'ARIV

Ehud Olmert broached the idea, which is more a request, to bring in a multi-national force along the Philadelphi corridor. This way a process of a fundamental strategic change has begun in Israel's approach to the Gaza Strip there is a need to disengage. Totally.

<A href="http://www.monitor.bbc.co.uk">BBC Monitoring</A> selects and translates news from radio, television, press, news agencies and the internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages. It is based in Caversham, UK, and has several bureaux abroad.