Hamas consolidates its hold on Gaza

On its first day of full rule in Gaza, the Islamic militant Hamas today announced that it was granting amnesty to senior Fatah leaders, signalling that it is seeking conciliation with the defeated forces of moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Hamas also said Palestinian security forces, now under its command, would take control of Gaza’s crossing with Egypt, which was monitored by European observers until the last decisive battle for Gaza erupted earlier this week.