Civil War in Gaza

Jerusalem correspondent Wilf Dinnick blogs: There was an astonishing and perhaps symbolic moment in Gaza City today. A small group of Palestinians tried to take back the streets in a public protest. Most of Gaza’s 1.5 million residents have been hiding in their homes over the last few days as fierce fighting has engulfed the coastal strip. A group of unarmed men and women walked right into the middle of a gunfight, with bullets flying. They raised their hands, screaming for the fighting to stop. One man ran directly into the line of fire, bravely accosting the shooter, telling him to go away and stop the fighting. The crowd then rushed other gunmen, as the people yelled, "let them kills us all but we have to stop it". (At left, Palestinian men help a wounded man during clashes between security members and militants of Hamas radical Islamist movement in Gaza City earlier today.)
The protest was far too small to make much of a difference in this battle but it does reveal how exasperated most Palestinians have become as a result of the violence. It now appears Hamas has secured the entire northern part of Gaza, taken over key Palestinian security posts, including about twenty Palestinian Government buildings. Hamas forces have given those loyal to Fatah until this Friday to hand in their weapons. If Hamas does take over, it means they may also capture many of the weapons and support systems the US has given to Fatah. The Israeli government and the US have been watching the situation carefully. Does a Hamas takeover mean there will be an Islamic state? That would run directly against US interests in the region. Regardless, Gaza is already being dubbed ‘Hamastan’. Meanwhile, Hamas continues its attacks on major Fatah buildings, including a massive attack earlier today. At least thirteen people died. In a separate incident two UN workers were killed and civilians continue to get caught in the crossfire. As the fight continues, many fear a decisive and bloody battle is just days away. SLIDESHOW In pictures: Gaza attacks