Photo Gallery Hamas Puts Down Extremist Group
Following a weekend of bloody clashes with an extremist group that wanted to declare the Gaza Strip an Islamic "emirate," Hamas has re-established its firm grip on power.
The chaos was unleashed on Friday in the southern town of Rafah, according to wire reports. There, during Friday prayers, Abdel-Latif Moussa -- the leader of the Jund Ansar Allah, or Soldiers of the Companions of God -- declared the Gaza Strip an Islamic emirate.
Hamas responded to the call by sending security forces, who engaged in two fierce gun battles on Friday night outside Moussa's mosque and home. The fighting ended on Saturday morning, when an explosion destroyed Moussa's home (pictured here) and killed him inside.
The fighting also left Moussa's mosque heavily damaged by bullets and grenades.
The fighting left at least 24 people dead and 150 people wounded, and Hamas authorities have arrested some 100 people. Here, mourners stand over the bodies of six members of the Hamas security forces killed in the fighting.
Hamas has ruled the Gaza Strip since June 2007, when it wrested control of the region from Fatah. The weekend's actions suggest that the group is trying to distance itself from more radical groups, solidify its hold on power in the region and strengthen its hand should it resume negotiations with Israel.
Member of Hamas security forces guard over the re-established calm. Hamas Interior Ministry spokesman Ehab Ghussen told Reuters Sunday that "the situation in the Gaza Strip is fully under control" and that Hamas would "re-educate" those who strayed from "moderate Islam."
