Hamas Seizes Control of Gaza, Palestinian Coalition Government Dissolved

At least 80 people are dead as the result of fighting between Hamas and Fatah that has taken place over the past few days.

In what one of President Abbas' advisers has called a military coup, Hamas began taking over security bases in the Gaza strip earlier this week and has claimed full control of the area today. Abbas has declared a state of emergency, dissolved the Coalition Government, and hinted at new elections as soon as conditions on the ground permit.

One Palestinian legislator said that Gaza is officially out of the control of the Palestinian Authority; however, ousted Prime Minister Haniya (of Hamas) has said that they do not intend to create a separate Palestinian state.

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Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said "we fully support [President Abbas] in trying to end this crisis for the Palestinian people and give them an opportunity for a return to peace and a better future." The United States has provided Abbas with about $60 million in assistance.

"Israel has viewed the fighting with alarm, calling for an international force to patrol the Egypt-Gaza border to prevent new and more powerful armaments from being smuggled in if Hamas gained control of the territory." ~ CNN

The European Commission has suspended $112 million in aid for Palestinian territories as well as all 16 of its relief projects in the area.

The UN is considering sending an international force to Gaza to restore calm.