Israeli Prime Minister Sharon Cuts Ties with Abbas Over Militant Attacks

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon decided to sever ties with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas after a militant attack on the Karni checkpoint in the Gaza Strip that killed six Israelis. The attack, carried out by members of the Fatah movement, including Al Aksa Martyrs Brigades, which belongs to Abbas's own Fatah movement, was seen as a rebuff to Abbas's policies of cease-fire and negotiations with Israel. Abbas's mild reaction to the attack, calling for a hudna or cease-fire with the militants, was met with anger from Israeli officials who say he is failing to confront the militant groups that took responsibility for the attack.

Key Takeaways:

• Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon cut all ties with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas after a militant attack on the Karni checkpoint in the Gaza Strip that killed six Israelis.
• The attack was carried out by members of the Al Aksa Martyrs Brigades, a group belonging to Abbas's own Fatah movement, and was seen as a rebuff to Abbas's policies of cease-fire and negotiations with Israel.
• Abbas's mild reaction to the attack was met with anger from Israeli officials who say he is failing to confront the militant groups responsible for the attack.
• The attack was part of a larger trend of Palestinian militant attacks, including the firing of Qassam rockets and mortars into Israeli settlements and Israel proper.
• Israeli officials express frustration with Abbas's lack of action against terrorism and his perceived failure to take a strong stance against militant groups.
• Sharon's decision to sever ties with Abbas is seen as a way to pressure Abbas to take more decisive action against terrorism.
• The move also has implications for Sharon's Gaza disengagement plan, which depends on quiet in the region.
• Israeli officials are considering a potential military operation in Gaza to stop attacks and restore quiet.
• Haiti's popularity is also rising at home, with calls for him to authorize a military operation in Gaza.

Statistics:

• 6 Israelis killed in the Karni checkpoint attack
• 5 Israelis wounded in the attack
• 3 Palestinian attackers killed by Israeli security guards
• 8,000 Israeli settlers scheduled to be removed from Gaza as part of Sharon's disengagement plan
• 1996: The last time Palestinian legislative elections were held
• July 17: The date of the upcoming Palestinian legislative elections
• July 18 is not mentioned in the source material.
• Estimated number of Qassam rockets and mortars fired into Israeli settlements and Israel proper per week is not specified in the source.

Sources:

• The New York Times
• Haaretz
• Yediot Aharonot
• Israeli government officials and security sources