By Danny Rubinstein
"On the political level, there is no doubt that yesterday's deaths, on top of those of the 53 other residents of the area killed in Israel Defense Forces operations in Beit Hanun over the last few days, greatly weakened Abu Mazen in his negotiations with Hamas over establishment of a national unity government. "How is it possible, at a time like this, to speak about recognition of and friendship with Israel?" demanded the speakers at a large student demonstration at Al-Quds University, in the East Jerusalem suburb of Abu Dis. At similar demonstrations throughout the West Bank and Gaza yesterday, participants voiced their pain, anger and demands for revenge. But what stood out above all was the fact that a kind of unity had been created among all the rival factions: All declared that there was no point in peace negotiations with Israel and expressed opposition to Abu Mazen's moderate political path.
As a result, there is growing public pressure on Hamas to respond with "at least one major attack," as one Arab journalist in East Jerusalem said yesterday. The PA declared a three-day mourning strike, and Palestinian spokesmen expressed the hope that the bloodshed would finally rouse the Arab states to cease the boycott they have imposed on the Pale stinian government and people and resume fund transfers to Gaza and the West Bank."
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