Draft:Palestinian Civil War (2006–2007)

The Palestinian civil war, also called as Hamas–Fatah civil war was an armed conflict that took place in Palestine between two political parties of the Palestine — Hamas and Fatah. The civil war was fought from 2006 to 2007.

Background
In January 2006, Hamas, categorized by some countries as a terrorist organization, won a majority of seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) in the democratic elections. The victory of Hamas, an Islamist group, challenged the longstanding dominance of Fatah, the secular nationalist party led by President Mahmoud Abbas. The election result led to a political deadlock between the two factions, as they struggled to form a unified government.

Hamas and Fatah have different ideological orientations and approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hamas is an Islamist organization that rejects the recognition of Israel and advocates armed resistance against Israeli occupation. Fatah, on the other hand, has historically pursued a more moderate approach and has engaged in negotiations with Israel. These ideological differences created tensions and disagreements over the direction and priorities of the Palestinian national movement.

The question of control over security forces was a major point of contention between Hamas and Fatah. Fatah had long maintained control over the security apparatus in the Palestinian territories, and Hamas sought to challenge that control after its electoral victory. Disputes over the integration and control of security forces further fueled the conflict. Following Hamas's electoral victory, Israel and major Western powers imposed economic sanctions on the Palestinian Authority, which was controlled by Hamas. These sanctions, combined with a pre-existing financial crisis, led to a severe economic downturn, with the Palestinian Authority struggling to pay salaries and provide basic services. The economic hardship added to the grievances and frustrations within Palestinian society, exacerbating tensions between Hamas and Fatah.

The regional and international dynamics also played a role in exacerbating the conflict. Hamas received support from Iran and other regional actors, while Fatah had the backing of Western countries, including the United States. These external influences further polarized the factions and contributed to the intensification of the conflict. Ultimately, the combination of political, ideological, and power struggles, along with external influences and economic hardships, led to the outbreak of the Palestinian civil war from 2006 to 2007.

Battle of Gaza
On June 7, 2007, Hamas launched a widespread offensive against Fatah forces in the Gaza Strip. Hamas fighters attacked key Fatah installations, including security compounds, government buildings, and the residence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Fatah forces, loyal to President Abbas and the Palestinian Authority, attempted to defend their positions and counter the Hamas offensive. However, they were outmatched by the better-organized and more disciplined Hamas fighters.

The battle involved heavy gunfire, rocket attacks, and the use of various weapons. Both factions engaged in street battles and targeted each other's strongholds. The battle resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Dozens of Palestinians were killed, and hundreds were injured during the fighting. Civilians were also caught in the crossfire, leading to additional casualties and displacements. By June 15, 2007, Hamas emerged as the victor and effectively took control of the Gaza Strip. Fatah forces were either defeated, arrested, or forced to retreat to the West Bank.

The Battle of Gaza had profound political implications. Following their victory, Hamas established de facto control over the Gaza Strip, while Fatah maintained control over the West Bank. This division deepened the political divide between the two factions, leading to separate governing authorities and further complicating efforts for Palestinian unity.

2006

 * January 25: Hamas wins a majority of seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) in the democratic elections.
 * March: Hamas forms a government led by Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh.
 * June 9: Israel launches Operation Summer Rains in response to the abduction of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit by Palestinian militants.
 * June 25: Palestinian militants, including members of Hamas, capture Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit near the Gaza-Israel border.
 * September: Negotiations between Fatah and Hamas fail to form a unity government, leading to a political deadlock.

2007

 * January 25: A Mecca Agreement is reached in Saudi Arabia, calling for the formation of a national unity government and an end to factional violence.
 * February 8: The national unity government is established, but internal conflicts and power struggles continue.
 * June 7: Hamas launches a military offensive in the Gaza Strip against Fatah forces.
 * June 14: Hamas declares victory and takes control of the Gaza Strip, ousting Fatah and President Mahmoud Abbas' security forces.
 * June 15: President Mahmoud Abbas dissolves the Hamas-led government and declares a state of emergency.
 * June 16: Fatah loyalists in the West Bank clash with Hamas supporters, leading to further violence and unrest.
 * June 17: President Abbas appoints Salam Fayyad as the Prime Minister of a new emergency government in the West Bank.
 * December: Egypt brokers a reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah in the Egyptian city of Mecca.