Hamas evasive on Gaza's new popular army
The recent announcement by the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades to form a popular army in Gaza has raised concerns in Fatah, which considers the move harmful to the Palestinian reconciliation process.
As soon as the recent Gaza war came to an end on Aug. 26, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, made announcements in some Gaza City mosques, calling on Palestinians to enlist in a "popular army," sources close to Hamas told Al-Monitor.
The announcements described the characteristics and goals of training a popular army that would support al-Qassam Brigades in any new war with Israel. Moreover, its members would be trained to use various light weapons to prepare for any upcoming confrontation with the Israeli army. The training would take place in military academies throughout Gaza that would remain open year-round to receive new recruits.
