# Battle of Gaza (2007)

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Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip from Fatah

Battle of Gaza Part of the Fatah–Hamas conflict and Palestinian internal political violence Map of the Gaza Strip Date 7–15 June 2007[4][5][6] Location Gaza Strip, Palestine With spillovers to the West Bank[7] Result Hamas victory Territorial changes Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip Hamas expels the Fatah government and forms new one in the Gaza Strip Belligerents Hamas government[a] Hamas Palestinian Islamic Jihad[1] Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades[2] Palestinian Authority Fatah Israel[3] Commanders and leaders Ismail Haniyeh Khaled Mashal Mahmoud Abbas Mohammed Dahlan Mohammed Sweirki † Units involved Hamas Al-Qassam Brigades Executive Force Al-Quds Brigades[8] Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades[9] Fatah Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades Palestinian Security Services Palestinian National Security Forces Palestinian Preventive Security Palestinian General Intelligence Service Palestinian Presidential Guard Israel Defense Forces Israeli Air Force Strength Al-Qassam Brigades: 15,000 Executive Police Force: 6,000[10][11] Total: ~21,000 Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades: 3,500+ National Security: 30,000 Preventive Security: 30,000 General Intelligence: 5,000 Presidential Guard: 4,200[10][11] Total: 72,700+

v t e Fatah–Hamas conflict Origins 2006 Palestinian legislative election History of Hamas Violence Battle of Gaza (2007) 2009 Hamas political violence Protests 2011–2012 2019 2023 2025 Politics and Diplomacy Election delays since 2006 Reconciliation process 2007 Mecca 2008 Sana'a 2012 Doha 2012 Cairo 2014 Gaza & Cairo 2017 Cairo 2020 Istanbul 2022 Algiers 2024 Beijing Unity governments 1st Haniyeh 2nd Haniyeh 1st Fayyad 3rd Hamdallah Related topics Joint Operations Room Palestinian nationalism Israeli support for Hamas PA–Militias conflict Capital punishment in the Gaza Strip

Politics of the Gaza Strip Administrative history All-Palestine Protectorate UAR occupation Israeli occupation military, civil government, COGAT Palestinian Authority rule First and Second Intifada Israeli disengagement Gaza Strip under Hamas Hamas Charter Governments (2007, 2012, 2016) Temporary committee Civil Police Fatah–Hamas conflict (Battle of Gaza) Protests (2011–2012, 2019, 2023, 2025) Societal breakdown (New Gaza) Popular Forces (Administration, conflict) Subgroups: Counter-Terrorism Service Popular Army in Rafah Popular Army – Northern Forces Counter-Terrorism Strike Force (Administration) Shuja'iyya Popular Defense Forces (Administration) Gaza Strip under Resolution 2803 UNSC Resolution 2803 Gaza peace plan Gaza Executive Board National Committee for the Administration of Gaza International Stabilization Force Gaza civil police Civil-Military Coordination Center Administrative divisions Governorates Cities Conflict with Israel Palestinian Fedayeen insurgency Suez Crisis Six-Day War Israeli blockade Gaza wars (2008–2009, 2012, 2014, 2021, 2023–present) Foreign relations Palestinian passport Fatah–Hamas reconciliation process v t e

The **Battle of Gaza**, also known as the **Gaza civil war**, was a brief [civil war](/source/Civil_war) between [Fatah](/source/Fatah) and [Hamas](/source/Hamas) that took place in the [Gaza Strip](/source/Gaza_Strip) from 7 to 15 June 2007. It was a prominent event in the [Fatah–Hamas conflict](/source/Fatah%E2%80%93Hamas_conflict), centered on the struggle for power after the fall of the [National Unity Government](/source/Second_Haniyeh_Government) between Hamas and Fatah, which was dissolved shortly afterwards.[14] This led to the *de facto* division of the [Palestinian territories](/source/Palestinian_territories) into two entities: the [West Bank](/source/West_Bank) governed by the [Palestinian National Authority](/source/Palestinian_National_Authority) (PNA), and the Gaza Strip [governed by Hamas](/source/Governance_of_the_Gaza_Strip). Hamas fighters took control of the Gaza Strip, while Fatah officials were either taken as prisoners, executed, or expelled.[14][15] The [Palestinian Centre for Human Rights](/source/Palestinian_Centre_for_Human_Rights) reported that at least 161 people were killed and more than 700 were wounded during the fighting.[13]

## Background

Main article: [Fatah–Hamas conflict](/source/Fatah%E2%80%93Hamas_conflict)

### Events leading up to the 2006 Palestinian legislative election

In 2003, the [Palestinian Basic Law](/source/Palestinian_Basic_Law) of the PNA was amended[16] and a semi-presidential form of government was established, whereby a constitution creates a directly elected fixed-term president, plus a prime minister and cabinet collectively responsible to the legislature.[17]

Documents published in the [Palestine Papers](/source/Palestine_Papers) reveal that in 2004, the British [Secret Intelligence Service](/source/MI6) helped to draw up a security plan for the Fatah-led PNA. The plan proposed a number of ways to degrade the capabilities of opposition groups such as Hamas, [Palestinian Islamic Jihad](/source/Palestinian_Islamic_Jihad) (PIJ), and [Al-Aqsa Brigades](/source/Al-Aqsa_Martyrs'_Brigades). The strategy would involve disruption of [command, control, and communications](/source/Command_and_control) capabilities, detention of key officials, and confiscation of their weapons and financial resources.[18][19] This plan was passed to [Jibril Rajoub](/source/Jibril_Rajoub), a senior Fatah official of the PNA, and most of the stated objectives were achieved by the West Bank-based PNA security apparatus.[20][21]

[Yasser Arafat](/source/Yasser_Arafat), the [President of the Palestinian National Authority](/source/President_of_the_Palestinian_National_Authority), died on 11 November 2004. A [Palestinian presidential election](/source/2005_Palestinian_presidential_election) to fill the position took place on 9 January 2005 in both the West Bank and Gaza. This election—which was boycotted by both Hamas and PIJ—resulted in [Palestine Liberation Organization](/source/Palestine_Liberation_Organization) (PLO) and Fatah chairman [Mahmoud Abbas](/source/Mahmoud_Abbas) being elected president for a four-year term.[22][23]

On 8 February 2005, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister [Ariel Sharon](/source/Ariel_Sharon) announced a ceasefire,[24] which Hamas endorsed on 17 March 2005.[25] On 19 March 2005, twelve Palestinian factions—including Fatah, Hamas, PIJ, the [Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine](/source/Popular_Front_for_the_Liberation_of_Palestine) (PFLP), and the [Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine](/source/Democratic_Front_for_the_Liberation_of_Palestine) (DFLP)—signed the [Palestinian Cairo Declaration](/source/Palestinian_Cairo_Declaration), which reaffirmed the status of the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, and implied a reform of the PLO by its inclusion of Hamas and PIJ.[26]

Israel completed its [unilateral disengagement](/source/Israeli_disengagement_from_Gaza) from the Gaza Strip on 12 September 2005, removing all Israeli residents and security personnel, and demolishing all of the associated residential buildings.[27] On 26 September 2005, Israeli forces arrested or detained 450 members of Hamas for violating the ban on rallies, public meetings, and election campaigns inside Jerusalem. Most of those Hamas members were either running for office or actively campaigning for candidates in the 2006 Palestinian legislative election.[28]

### 2006 Palestinian legislative election

Further information: [2006 Palestinian legislative election](/source/2006_Palestinian_legislative_election)

The [2006 Palestinian legislative election](/source/2006_Palestinian_legislative_election) took place on 25 January 2006 and was assessed by [international observers](/source/Election_monitoring#International_election_monitoring) as free and fair.[29][30] It resulted in a Hamas victory, surprising Israel and the United States, which had expected Fatah to retain power.[31] On 27 January, US President George Bush said "the landslide victory of the militant Islamic group Hamas was a rejection of the 'status quo' and a repudiation of the 'old guard' that had failed to provide honest government and services".[32]

On 30 January 2006, the [Quartet on the Middle East](/source/Quartet_on_the_Middle_East) (United States, Russia, United Nations, and European Union) issued a formal statement congratulating the Palestinian people. In the statement, the Quartet stipulated that "future assistance to any new Government would be reviewed by donors against that Government's commitment to the principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the [Road Map](/source/Road_map_for_peace)."[33] Hamas rejected these conditions, saying that "the 'unfair conditions' would endanger the well-being of Palestinians". This view was echoed by Saudi Foreign Minister [Saud al-Faisal](/source/Saud_bin_Faisal_Al_Saud), who said: "The European Union insisted on having elections in Palestine, and this is the result of what they asked for. Now to come around, and say [they] don't accept the will of the people that was expressed through democratic means, seems an unreasonable position to take." The BBC's diplomatic correspondent, James Robbins, said the Quartet's response was chosen with care: "They did not demand a renunciation of violence or immediate recognition of Israel, but a commitment to these things in the future".[34]

### First Haniyeh Government

Further information: [First Haniyeh Government](/source/First_Haniyeh_Government)

After Hamas rejected the conditions of the Quartet, Fatah and other factions refused to join in a national unity government. On 29 March 2006, Hamas established the [First Haniyeh Government](/source/First_Haniyeh_Government), which was composed mostly of members of Hamas, with Hamas leader [Ismail Haniyeh](/source/Ismail_Haniyeh) as Prime Minister.[35] The international community responded by [imposing economic sanctions](/source/2006%E2%80%932007_economic_sanctions_against_the_Palestinian_National_Authority) against the PNA, and Egypt and Israel largely closed their border crossings with Gaza, instituting a [blockade of the Gaza Strip](/source/Blockade_of_the_Gaza_Strip).

President Abbas was under pressure from the international community, which considered Hamas's victory to be unacceptable, as it was perceived to undermine decades of international efforts to secure a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Quartet attempted to undermine Hamas and force it from power, while strengthening the position of Abbas.[36][37] It was suggested that Abbas could use his constitutional powers to dismiss the government and call for new elections, which would be intended to yield a different result and reinstall Fatah in power on the grounds that the Palestinian electorate would perceive Hamas as a failure. The threat of new elections was never carried out because it emerged that Hamas might in fact be returned to power despite its inability to implement its manifesto, and because the movement itself strongly signaled that calling new elections, although a constitutional prerogative of the President, would amount to "a coup against Palestinian legitimacy and the will of the Palestinian people".[17][38]

The new Hamas government clashed with President Abbas, who had to share power with it based on the [Palestinian National Covenant](/source/Palestinian_National_Covenant). Through presidential decrees, Abbas extended exclusive presidential authority concerning administrative actions and periodically threatened to dismiss the Haniya government.[17] He also placed the security forces of the Gaza Strip under his direct control[17] and increased the [Palestinian Presidential Guard](/source/Palestinian_Presidential_Guard)—which consisted entirely of Fatah activists loyal to him—from about 90 to 1,000 officers.[39] Hamas responded by creating a parallel security force—the [Executive Force](/source/Palestinian_Security_Services#Executive_Force)—which consisted of members of [its military wing](/source/Izz_ad-Din_al-Qassam_Brigades), led by [Jamal Abu Samhadana](/source/Jamal_Abu_Samhadana). Abbas denounced the move as unconstitutional, saying that only the Palestinian president could command armed forces.[39] The two forces refused to cooperate—Hamas's forces supported armed resistance against Israel, whereas those of Fatah were committed to upholding the [Oslo Accords](/source/Oslo_Accords).[17]

Hamas was receiving money and arms from Iran, and possibly Syria, and was threatening to increase its Executive Force to 6,000 men. At that point, the U.S. began to provide training in urban anti-terrorist techniques to members of the Presidential Guard, with the goal of strengthening Abbas's security forces. Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey also began to provide similar training for the Fatah forces, and Britain, Spain, and the European Union began to provide communications equipment, vehicles, and logistical support.[39] There was also a plan to add the PLO's Jordan-based [Badr Brigade](/source/Badr_Brigade_in_the_Jordanian_Army) to the Presidential Guard.[40] Israel's Security Agency also supported President Abbas and the Presidential Guard but was concerned from their previous experience, where many Palestinian security officers who had been trained by the CIA later engaged in attacks on Israeli targets or joined the al-Aqsa Brigades during the [Second Intifada](/source/Second_Intifada).[39]

Following the abduction by [Hamas militants](/source/Izz_ad-Din_al-Qassam_Brigades) of [Gilad Shalit](/source/Gilad_Shalit) on 25 June 2006 in a cross-border raid via a tunnel out of Gaza, Israel arrested 49 senior Hamas officials, including 33 parliamentarians, nearly a quarter of PLC members and ministers on the West Bank. They also intensified the boycott of Gaza and took other punitive measures.[28][41]

### Second Haniyeh Government

Main article: [Second Haniyeh Government](/source/Second_Haniyeh_Government)

President Abbas and the Fatah-dominated PLO developed a plan to replace the Hamas government with one acceptable to Israel and the international community. According to the plan, unveiled in Al Jazeera's [Palestine Papers](/source/Palestine_Papers), a national unity government would be formed by mid-2007. If this new government failed to meet the Quartet's conditions, Abbas would dismiss the government and form an emergency government or call early elections.[42]

By October 2006, the United States, Israel, many Arab governments, and most of Abbas's key advisors still held the view that if Hamas did not unambiguously accept the Quartet's conditions, it should be forced out of power.[43] In December 2006, President Abbas called for new parliamentary and presidential elections, which members of both Hamas and Fatah rejected.[44][45]

The Fatah and Hamas factions finally signed an [agreement to stop their military confrontations](/source/Fatah%E2%80%93Hamas_Mecca_Agreement) on 8 February 2007 and agreed to form a [national unity government](/source/Second_Haniyeh_Government). That government was established in March 2007.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Battle

According to the [International Institute for Strategic Studies](/source/International_Institute_for_Strategic_Studies), the June 2007 escalation was triggered by Hamas's conviction that the Palestinian Presidential Guard—expanded by the United States to 3,500 men and loyal to Mahmoud Abbas—was being positioned to take control of Gaza.[46]

On 10 June 2007, the [Fatah–Hamas conflict](/source/Fatah%E2%80%93Hamas_conflict) culminated in clashes between Fatah-allied forces and Hamas-allied forces.[47] The primary Fatah forces were the [Palestinian National Security Forces](/source/Palestinian_National_Security_Forces), particularly the Presidential Guard. The main force of Hamas was the Executive Force. Hamas militants seized several Fatah members and threw one of them, Mohammed Sweirki, an officer in the Presidential Guard, off the top of the tallest building in Gaza, a 15-story apartment building. In retaliation, Fatah militants attacked and killed the [Imam](/source/Imam) of the city's [Great Mosque](/source/Great_Mosque_of_Gaza), Mohammed al-Rifati. They also opened fire on the home of Prime Minister [Ismail Haniyeh](/source/Ismail_Haniyeh). Just before midnight, a Hamas militant was thrown off a 12-story building.[48]

On 11 June, gunmen opened fire on the Palestinian cabinet building while the government was meeting inside. Fatah gunmen fired shots at the residence of [Prime Minister](/source/Prime_Minister_of_the_Palestinian_National_Authority) Ismail Haniya, of Hamas, in Gaza City, but no casualties were reported.[49][50]

On 12 June, Hamas began attacking posts held by their Fatah rivals. Hundreds of Hamas fighters had moved on the positions after giving their occupants two hours to leave. A major Fatah base in the northern town of [Jabalia](/source/Jabalia) fell to Hamas fighters, witnesses told AFP news agency. Heavy fighting also raged around the main Fatah headquarters in Gaza City, with Hamas militants attacking with rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons.[51]

On 13 June, Hamas attacked the headquarters of the Palestinian National Security Forces in northern Gaza. Gunmen fought for control of high-rise buildings serving as sniper positions, and Hamas said it had bulldozed a Fatah outpost controlling Gaza's main north–south road. Also on that day, an explosion wrecked the [Khan Yunis](/source/Khan_Yunis) headquarters of the Fatah-linked [Palestinian Preventive Security](/source/Palestinian_Preventive_Security), killing five people.[12]

On 14 June, President Abbas announced the [dissolution of the unity government and declared a state of emergency](/source/Fatah%E2%80%93Hamas_conflict#June_2007:_split_of_government) as Hamas militants took over vehicles and weapons in the National Security headquarters compound—Abbas' residence.[52] The gunmen who entered the compound held a prayer there and waved a flag on the building's rooftop. At least 10 people were killed. Hamas TV broadcast a display of weapons inside the building, as well as jeeps, [mortar](/source/Mortar_(weapon)) shells and bulletproof vests seized in the compound, which, according to Hamas, were smuggled to Fatah by Israel and the Americans in the past few months across the border with Egypt.[53] Hamas also changed the name of the neighborhood where the building is located from "[Tel al-Hawa](/source/Tel_al-Hawa)" to "Tel al-Islam".[53] On the afternoon of 14 June, the [Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press) reported an explosion that rocked [Gaza City](/source/Gaza_City). According to Fatah officials, security forces withdrew from their post and blew it up in order to not let Hamas take it over. The security forces later repositioned to another location. Later on 14 June, Hamas also took control of the southern Gaza Strip city of [Rafah](/source/Rafah), which lies near an already closed border crossing with Egypt that, a crossing that is monitored by Israeli, Palestinian, and European Union security forces. The EU staff had, at that time, already been relocated to the Israeli city of [Ashkelon](/source/Ashkelon) for safety reasons.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

On 15 June, Hamas completed taking control of the Gaza Strip, seizing all PNA government institutions and replacing all PNA officials in Gaza with Hamas members.[15][54]

## Alleged military coup

As a result of the battle, Hamas took complete control of Gaza. The pro-Fatah view is that it was a plain [military coup](/source/Coup_d'%C3%A9tat) by Hamas. The pro-Hamas view is that the US drew up a plan to arm Fatah cadres with the aim of forcefully removing Hamas from power in Gaza, and that Fatah fighters, led by commander [Mohammed Dahlan](/source/Mohammed_Dahlan) with logistical support from the US [Central Intelligence Agency](/source/Central_Intelligence_Agency), were planning to carry out a bloody coup against Hamas.[55] Then, Hamas pre-emptively took control over Gaza.

In an April 2008 article in *[Vanity Fair](/source/Vanity_Fair_(magazine))* magazine, the journalist [David Rose](/source/David_Rose_(journalist)) published confidential documents, apparently originating from the US State Department, which would prove that the United States collaborated with the PNA and Israel to attempt the violent overthrow of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and that Hamas pre-empted the coup. The documents suggest that a government with Hamas should meet the demands of the [Middle East Quartet](/source/Quartet_on_the_Middle_East), otherwise President Mahmoud Abbas should declare a "state of emergency", which effectively would dissolve the current unity government, or the government should collapse by other means.[56] Rose quotes former Vice President [Dick Cheney](/source/Dick_Cheney)'s chief Middle East adviser [David Wurmser](/source/David_Wurmser), who accused the Bush administration of "engaging in a dirty war in an effort to provide a corrupt dictatorship [led by Abbas] with victory". Wurmser believes that Hamas had no intention of taking Gaza until Fatah forced its hand. "It looks to me that what happened wasn't so much a coup by Hamas but an attempted coup by Fatah that was pre-empted before it could happen."[56]

According to [Alastair Crooke](/source/Alastair_Crooke), the then British Prime Minister [Tony Blair](/source/Tony_Blair) decided in 2003 to tie UK and EU security policy in the West Bank and Gaza to a US-led [counterinsurgency](/source/Counterinsurgency) against Hamas. This led to an internal policy contradiction that pre-empted the EU from mounting any effective foreign policy on the "peace process" alternative to that of the US. At a political level, the EU "talked the talk" of reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas, Palestinian state-building, and democracy. At the practical level, the EU "walked the walk" of disruption, detention, seizing finances, and destroying the capabilities of one [Hamas] of the two factions and prevented the parliament from exercising any control.[57]

According to Crooke, the Quartet conditions for engagement with Hamas were developed precisely in order to prevent Hamas from meeting them, rather than as guidelines intended to open the path for diplomatic solutions. Then, British and American intelligence services were preparing a "soft" coup to remove Hamas from power in Gaza.[57]

## Violations of international law

These attacks by both Hamas and Fatah constitute brutal assaults on the most fundamental humanitarian principles. The murder of civilians not engaged in hostilities and the willful killing of captives are war crimes, pure and simple.

— Sarah Leah Whitson,
Middle East director for [Human Rights Watch](/source/Human_Rights_Watch)[58]

[Human Rights Watch](/source/Human_Rights_Watch) accused both sides of violating international humanitarian law, in some instances amounting to war crimes. For example, Fatah and Hamas fighters targeted and killed people not involved in hostilities, and engaged in gun battles near and even inside hospitals. The accusations also included public executions of captives and political opponents, throwing prisoners off high-rise apartment buildings, and shooting from a jeep marked with press insignia.[58]

During the fighting, many incidents of looting took place. A crowd took furniture, wall tiles, and personal belongings from the villa of the deceased Palestinian leader and founder of Fatah [Yasser Arafat](/source/Yasser_Arafat).[59] The home of former Fatah commander [Mohammed Dahlan](/source/Mohammed_Dahlan) was also looted, as was Abbas's seafront presidential compound.[60]

More than 1,000 persons, mostly members of Fatah or the PNA, were illegally arrested or detained in the first months of Hamas rule. The [Palestinian Centre for Human Rights](/source/Palestinian_Centre_for_Human_Rights) and [Amnesty International](/source/Amnesty_International) documented many instances of people being abducted and tortured by Hamas militants.[61]

## Aftermath

### Division of government

Further information: [Fatah–Hamas conflict](/source/Fatah%E2%80%93Hamas_conflict)

On 14 June 2007, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reacted to the Hamas takeover by declaring a [state of emergency](/source/State_of_emergency). He dismissed the [unity government](/source/Palestinian_National_Unity_Government_of_March_2007) led by [Ismail Haniyeh](/source/Ismail_Haniyeh), and by presidential decree installed [Salam Fayyad](/source/Salam_Fayyad) as prime minister.[62][63][64] Haniyeh refused to accept his dismissal, accusing Abbas of participating in a US-led plot to overthrow him.[62] Experts in Palestinian law, and independent members of the PLC, have questioned the legitimacy of the Fayyad government.[65] According to the [Palestinian Basic Law](/source/Palestinian_law#Basic_Law), the President can dismiss the prime minister, but the dismissed government continues to function as a caretaker government until a new government is formed and receives a vote of confidence from an absolute majority of the [Palestinian Legislative Council](/source/Palestinian_Legislative_Council).[65][66] The Hamas-majority PLC has never met to confirm the Fayyad government.[65] President Abbas, by presidential decree in September 2007, changed the voting system for the PLC into a full [proportional representation](/source/Proportional_representation) system, bypassing the dysfunctional PLC.[67]

With the dissolution of the Hamas-led unity government, the territory controlled by the PNA was *de facto* divided into two entities: the Hamas-controlled [government of the Gaza Strip](/source/Governance_of_the_Gaza_Strip), and the [West Bank](/source/West_Bank), governed by the PNA.[68]

The international community recognized the emergency government. Within days, the US recognized the Fayyad government, and ended the 15-month economic and political boycott of the PNA, in a bid to bolster President Abbas and the new Fatah-led Fayyad government. The European Union similarly announced plans to resume direct aid to the Palestinians, while Israel released to Abbas Palestinian tax revenues that Israel had withheld since Hamas took control of the Palestinian Legislative Council.[69] The [Middle East Quartet](/source/Quartet_on_the_Middle_East) reiterated their continued support of Abbas and resumed normal relations with the Fatah-led PNA. The secretary-general of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, urged international support for Abbas's efforts "to restore law and order".[62][70] Israel and Egypt began a [blockade of the Gaza Strip](/source/Blockade_of_the_Gaza_Strip).

### Religious consequences

Further information: [Islamism in the Gaza Strip](/source/Islamism_in_the_Gaza_Strip)

Islam is the official religion of the Palestinian Authority, and there are no Palestinian laws that specifically protect the religious freedom of [non-Muslims](/source/Kafir).[71] After Hamas took complete control of the Gaza Strip, they declared the "end of secularism and heresy in the Gaza Strip".[72] The PLO and some Palestinian media outlets suggested that Hamas intended to establish an Islamic [emirate](/source/Emirate) and that Hamas employed a combination of violence, authoritarian rule, and Islamic ideology to control the residents of Gaza. Hamas political chief [Ismael Haniyeh](/source/Ismael_Haniyeh) denied these accusations.[61] A Hamas spokesman in Gaza said that Hamas was imposing [Islamic law](/source/Sharia) in Gaza, but this was denied by exiled Hamas leader [Khaled Mashal](/source/Khaled_Mashal).[14]

With roughly 35,000 [Palestinian Christians](/source/Palestinian_Christians) in the West Bank, 12,500 in [East Jerusalem](/source/East_Jerusalem), and 3,000 in Gaza, Christians represent about 1.3 percent of the Palestinian population.[71] Two days after Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip, a school and convent belonging to the Gaza Strip's tiny Roman Catholic community were ransacked, looted, and burned. Fatah accused Hamas of being behind the attack but Hamas denied it.[73]

An Islamist movement called [Jihadia Salafiya](/source/Islamist_anti-Hamas_groups_in_the_Gaza_Strip#Jihadia_Salafiya) began to enforce Islamic law in Gaza, including a ban on alcohol, internet cafes, pool halls, bars, and on women in public places without proper head coverings. Sheik Abu Saqer, the leader of Jihadia Salafiya, said that Christians could only continue to live in the Gaza Strip if they accepted Islamic law and that Christians in Gaza who engage in [missionary activity](/source/Evangelism) would be dealt with harshly. He further stated: "I expect our Christian neighbors to understand the new Hamas rule means real changes. They must be ready for Islamic rule if they want to live in peace in Gaza."[74] Dozens of attacks against Christian targets—including barbershops, music stores, and schools—soon followed.[61] The only Christian bookstore in Gaza was attacked, and [the owner murdered](/source/Killing_of_Rami_Ayyad), on 7 October 2007.[75] In February 2008, gunmen blew up the YMCA library in the Gaza Strip.[61]

### Weapons

Hamas captured thousands of small arms and eight armoured combat vehicles supplied by the United States, Egypt, and Jordan.[76] According to Muhammad Abdel-El of the Hamas-allied [Popular Resistance Committees](/source/Popular_Resistance_Committees), Hamas and its allies captured quantities of foreign intelligence, including [CIA](/source/Central_Intelligence_Agency) files. Abu Abdullah of Hamas's "military wing", the [Al-Qassam Brigades](/source/Izz_ad-Din_al-Qassam_Brigades), claimed that Hamas would make portions of the documents public, in an attempt to expose covert relations between the United States and "traitor" Arab countries.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** From June 11

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/6/10/israeli-missiles-hit-gaza-targets](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/6/10/israeli-missiles-hit-gaza-targets)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/6/10/israeli-missiles-hit-gaza-targets](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/6/10/israeli-missiles-hit-gaza-targets)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/6/10/israeli-missiles-hit-gaza-targets](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/6/10/israeli-missiles-hit-gaza-targets)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** [https://www.gov.il/en/pages/pchr-publishes-report-on-internal-fighting-in-the-gaza-strip-7-14-june-2007](https://www.gov.il/en/pages/pchr-publishes-report-on-internal-fighting-in-the-gaza-strip-7-14-june-2007)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [https://www.un.org/unispal/document/auto-insert-209128/](https://www.un.org/unispal/document/auto-insert-209128/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [https://pchrgaza.org/victims-of-internal-clashes-between-fatah-and-hamas-increase-84-killed-including-2-children-5-women-and-15-other-civilians-and-nearly-600-injured/](https://pchrgaza.org/victims-of-internal-clashes-between-fatah-and-hamas-increase-84-killed-including-2-children-5-women-and-15-other-civilians-and-nearly-600-injured/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/palestinian-president-charges-coup-attempt/](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/palestinian-president-charges-coup-attempt/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/6/10/israeli-missiles-hit-gaza-targets](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/6/10/israeli-missiles-hit-gaza-targets)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/6/10/israeli-missiles-hit-gaza-targets](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/6/10/israeli-missiles-hit-gaza-targets)

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-NYT20060130_32-0)** Steven R. Weisman (30 January 2006). ["Rice Admits U.S. Underestimated Hamas Strength"](https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/30/world/middleeast/rice-admits-us-underestimated-hamas-strength.html). *The New York Times*. New York City. Retrieved 15 October 2023.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-PalestinianVision_43-0)** ["Palestinian Vision for Resolving the Current PA Crisis (Draft #6)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20231020211106/http://www.thepalestinepapers.com/en/projects/thepalestinepapers/2012182245231783.html). Investigations. The Palestine Papers. [Doha](/source/Doha), [Qatar](/source/Qatar): [Al Jazeera](/source/Al_Jazeera_English). 30 October 2006. Archived from [the original](http://www.thepalestinepapers.com/en/projects/thepalestinepapers/2012182245231783.html) on 20 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-IISSV13I05_47-0)** [*Hamas coup in Gaza* (pdf)](https://web.archive.org/web/20081020132918/http://www.iiss.org/EasysiteWeb/getresource.axd?AssetID=2571&type=full&servicetype=Attachment), International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Volume 13, Issue 5; June 2007. [Also in html](https://web.archive.org/web/20081015202544/http://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-comments/past-issues/volume-13---2007/volume-13-issue-5/hamas-coup-in-gaza/).

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-49)** Haaretz/Associated Press, 10 June 2007, [*Palestinian gunmen target Haniyeh's home in Gaza*](https://web.archive.org/web/20100825164924/http://www.haaretz.com/news/palestinian-gunmen-target-haniyeh-s-home-in-gaza-1.222703). On web.archive.org

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-51)** ["Palestinian rivalry"](https://www.cbc.ca/news2/background/middleeast/gaza_timeline_recent.html). *[CBC News](/source/CBC_News)*. Retrieved 12 December 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-bbchamas_52-0)** [Hamas launches new Gaza attacks](https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6744713.stm), BBC News Online, 12 June 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-pyrrhic_53-0)** ["A pyrrhic victory"](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/story/0,,2104476,00.html). *The Guardian*. London. 16 June 2007.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ynet_54-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ynet_54-1) [We'll execute Fatah leaders](http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3412813,00.html), Israel News, 14 June 2007.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-Bombshell_falling_56-0)** [*This 'Bombshell' Took a Year Falling*](http://www.ipsnews.net/2008/04/mideast-this-bombshell-took-a-year-falling/). Adam Morrow and Khaled Moussa al-Omrani, Inter Press Service, 2 April 2008

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1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-HRW_59-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-HRW_59-1) ["Gaza: Armed Palestinian Groups Commit Grave Crimes"](https://www.hrw.org/news/2007/06/12/gaza-armed-palestinian-groups-commit-grave-crimes). New York City: [Human Rights Watch](/source/Human_Rights_Watch). 12 June 2007. Retrieved 15 October 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Ynet20070616_60-0)** Ali Waked (16 June 2007). ["Crowd loots Gaza home of Arafat"](http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3413510,00.html). *[Ynet](/source/Ynet)*. Rishon LeZion, Israel: [Yedioth Ahronoth](/source/Yedioth_Ahronoth). Retrieved 15 October 2023.

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1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Schanzer2009_62-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Schanzer2009_62-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Schanzer2009_62-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Schanzer2009_62-3) [Jonathan Schanzer](/source/Jonathan_Schanzer) (2009). ["The Talibanization of Gaza: A Liability for the Muslim Brotherhood"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210910161843/https://www.hudson.org/content/researchattachments/attachment/1179/20100108_ct9forposting.pdf) (PDF). *Current Trends in Islamist Ideology*. **9**: 110–119. Archived from [the original](http://www.hudson.org/content/researchattachments/attachment/1179/20100108_ct9forposting.pdf) (PDF) on 10 September 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-IDSA_63-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-IDSA_63-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-IDSA_63-2) [Gaza on the Boil](http://www.idsa.in/idsastrategiccomments/GazaontheBoil_SSCRajiv_210607) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231025060743/https://www.idsa.in/idsastrategiccomments/GazaontheBoil_SSCRajiv_210607) 25 October 2023 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), S. Samuel C. Rajiv, 21 June 2007

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-telegraph_dissolve_65-0)** Levinson, Charles; Matthew Moore (14 June 2007). ["Abbas declares state of emergency in Gaza"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070618102009/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2007%2F06%2F14%2Fwgaza614.xml). *The Daily Telegraph*. London. Archived from [the original](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/06/14/wgaza614.xml) on 18 June 2007. Retrieved 14 June 2007.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-intern_fight_p14_66-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-intern_fight_p14_66-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-intern_fight_p14_66-2) Abrahams, Fred; [Human Rights Watch](/source/Human_Rights_Watch) (2008). *Internal fight: Palestinian abuses in Gaza and the West Bank*. [Human Rights Watch](/source/Human_Rights_Watch). p. 14.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Entous_67-0)** [*Framers of Palestinian constitution challenge Abbas*](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-law-idUSL0824203920070708) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141124205852/http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/07/08/us-palestinians-law-idUSL0824203920070708) 24 November 2014 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine). Adam Entous, Reuters, 8 July 2007

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-nyt_divided_69-0)** Erlanger, Steven (13 June 2007). ["Hamas Forces Seize Control Over Much of Gaza"](https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/13/world/middleeast/13cnd-mideast.html). *The New York Times*. Retrieved 26 April 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-iht_us_ends_embargo_70-0)** [*U.S. ends embargo on Palestinian Authority in move to bolster Fatah*](https://web.archive.org/web/20070621083640/http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/06/19/sports/pals.php). Helene Cooper, International Herald Tribune, 19 June 2007

1. **[^](#cite_ref-bbc_dissolve_2_71-0)** ["Key powers back Abbas government"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6764541.stm). London: BBC News. 18 June 2007. Retrieved 18 June 2007.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Raab2003_72-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Raab2003_72-1) David Raab (January 2003). ["The Beleaguered Christians of the Palestinian-Controlled Areas"](https://web.archive.org/web/20171018134537/http://www.jcpa.org/jl/vp490.htm). Jerusalem Letter. Jerusalem: [Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs](/source/Jerusalem_Center_for_Public_Affairs). Archived from [the original](https://www.jcpa.org/jl/vp490.htm) on 18 October 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-JP20070615_73-0)** [Khaled Abu Toameh](/source/Khaled_Abu_Toameh) (15 June 2007). ["Haniyeh calls for Palestinian unity"](https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/haniyeh-calls-for-palestinian-unity). *[The Jerusalem Post](/source/The_Jerusalem_Post)*. Jerusalem. Retrieved 15 October 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Ynet20070618_74-0)** ["Catholic compound ransacked in Gaza"](https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3414607,00.html). *[Ynet](/source/Ynet)*. Rishon LeZion, Israel: [Yedioth Ahronoth](/source/Yedioth_Ahronoth). Associated Press. 18 June 2007. Retrieved 15 October 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Ynet20070619_75-0)** Aaron Klein (19 June 2007). ["Christians must accept Islamic rule"](https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3414753,00.html). *[Ynet](/source/Ynet)*. Rishon LeZion, Israel: [Yedioth Ahronoth](/source/Yedioth_Ahronoth). Retrieved 15 October 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Haaretz20071101_76-0)** Ormestad, Catrin (1 November 2007). ["I know how to make you a Muslim"](https://www.haaretz.com/2007-11-01/ty-article/i-know-how-to-make-you-a-muslim/0000017f-dbcc-db22-a17f-fffd6b690000). *Haaretz*. Tel Aviv. Retrieved 23 October 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-menewsline_77-0)** [Hamas seizes US-financed weapons, equipment](https://web.archive.org/web/20070616141623/http://menewsline.com/stories/2007/june/06_15_1.html), Middle East Newsline, 14 June 2007.

## External links

- [In pictures: Hamas takes Gaza (BBC)](https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/6752269.stm)

- [Martyrs of the coup in the Gaza Strip](https://info.wafa.ps/ar_page.aspx?id=9198) (a list of people killed in factional fighting in Gaza, 8 January 2005 – 17 December 2007)

[31°31′N 34°27′E / 31.517°N 34.450°E / 31.517; 34.450](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Battle_of_Gaza_(2007)&params=31_31_N_34_27_E_)

v t e Hamas History General Original Charter Revised Charter 1992 deportations UNRWA Holocaust dispute 25th anniversary of Hamas (2012) Fatah–Hamas conflict Takeover of the Gaza Strip 2009 Hamas political violence in Gaza Reconciliation process Mecca Agreement Doha Agreement Cairo Agreement Algiers Declaration Gaza–Israel conflict First Intifada (1987–1993) Second Intifada (2000–2005) 2006 Gilad Shalit kidnapping (2011 prisoner exchange) Gaza War (2008–2009) 2012 Gaza War 2014 Gaza War 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis Gaza war (2023–present) October 7 attacks Hostage crisis 2023 ceasefire January 2025 ceasefire Gaza peace plan Governance Palestinian Authority First Haniyeh Government Second Haniyeh Government Economic Sanctions Gaza Strip 2007 2012 2016 Supreme Administrative Committee Political wing People List of leaders of Hamas Khaled Mashal Ismail Haniyeh Yahya Sinwar Mohammed Sinwar Basem Naim Ali Baraka Mousa Abu Marzook Zaher Jabarin Issam al-Da'alis Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi hospital Jamila al-Shanti Umm Nidal Elections 2005 presidential 2006 legislative Other Hamas temporary committee Islamic Salvation Party Law and order Interior Minister of the Gaza Strip Ihab al-Ghussein Police Faiq Al-Mabhouh Said Seyam Palestinian law Executions Military wing Units Palestinian Joint Operations Room Al-Qassam Brigades Nukbha Ayman Nofal Tulkarm Brigade al-Aqsa Flood Vanguards unit People Leader: Vacant Spokesperson: Abu Obeida Saleh al-Arouri Emad Akel Yahya Ayyash Salah Shehade Mohammed Deif Marwan Issa Adnan al-Ghoul Mazen Faqha Wa'el Nassar Ahmed Jabari Imad Abbas Mahmoud al-Mabhouh Nidal Farahat Yunis Al Astal Ahmed Ghandour Abu Obeida Women Reem Riyashi Fatma Omar An-Najar Operations 1989: Killing of Avi Sasportas and Ilan Saadon 1992: Abduction and killing of Nissim Toledano 1993: Mehola Junction bombing Killing of Yaron Chen 1994: Afula bus suicide bombing Hadera bus station suicide bombing Abduction and killing of Nachshon Wachsman Dizengoff Street bus bombing Afula axe attack 1995: Ramat Gan bus bombing Ramat Eshkol bus bombing 1996: Jaffa Road bus bombings Dizengoff Center suicide bombing Murder of Yaron and Efrat Ungar 1997: Café Apropo bombing Mahane Yehuda Market bombings Ben Yehuda Street Bombing 2001: Azor attack Netanya bombing HaSharon Mall suicide bombing Dolphinarium discotheque bombing Sbarro restaurant suicide bombing Nahariya train station suicide bombing Haifa bus 16 suicide bombing Immanuel bus attack 2002: Atzmona attack Café Moment bombing Park Hotel suicide bombing Kiryat HaYovel supermarket bombing Matza restaurant suicide bombing Yagur Junction bombing Sheffield Club bombing Netanya Market bombing Patt Junction bus bombing Hebrew University bombing Meron Junction Bus 361 attack Allenby Street bus bombing Sonol gas station bombing Kiryat Menachem bus bombing 2003: Haifa bus 37 suicide bombing Mike's Place suicide bombing French Hill suicide bombings Davidka Square bus bombing Shmuel HaNavi bus bombing Tzrifin bus stop attack Café Hillel bombing 2004: Erez Crossing bombing Gaza Street bus bombing Ashdod Port bombings Beersheba bus bombings IDF outpost bombing 2005: Karni border crossing attack 2006: "Operation Dispersive Illusion" 2008: Breach of the Egypt–Gaza border Dimona suicide bombing Battle of al-Furqan 2009: Battle of Rafah 2010: August 2010 West Bank shooting attack 2011: School bus attack 2012: "Operation Stones of Baked Clay" 2014: "Operation Devouring Storm" Battle of Shuja'iyya 2021: Unity Intifada 2023–present: Battle of al-Aqsa Flood "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood" Givat Shaul shooting Ra'anana attack Jaffa shooting al-Funduq shooting "Operation Moses' Staff" Weapons Al-Bana Batar Qassam rocket Yasin (RPG) Al-Ghoul rifle Social services Islamic University of Gaza Mujama al-Islamiya Palestinian Authority Martyrs Fund Media Al-Aqsa TV Tomorrow's Pioneers Al-Aqsa Voice Radio Al-Quds TV Shehab News Agency Al-Watan (defunct) Foreign relations Support from (Iran Israel Qatar Turkey) Russia Lebanon Protests 2011–2012 Palestinian protests 2019 Gaza economic protests 2023 Gaza economic protests 2025 Gaza Strip anti-Hamas protests June 26 Revolution Related articles Baby beheading hoax Criticism of Hamas Palestinian war crimes Hamas most wanted playing cards Do you condemn Hamas? Palestinian Prisoners' Document Category:Hamas

v t e Fatah and splinter groups History History of Fatah Palestine Liberation Organization Leaders Yasser Arafat Mahmoud Abbas Media Falastinuna Falastin Al Thawra Voice of Palestine Armed factions Splinter groups Abu Nidal Organization Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades Defunct Al-'Asifah Black September Organization Fatah Hawks Fatah Special Operations Group Force 14 Force 17 Tanzim Conflicts Six-Day War War of Attrition Battle of Karameh Black September Yom Kippur War First Intifada Second Intifada Fatah–Hamas conflict 2006 Palestinian legislative election Battle of Gaza (2007) Fatah–Hamas reconciliation process Schisms Arab People's Movement Fatah al-Intifada Marwan Barghouti's Al-Mustaqbal (electoral list)‎ Palestinian Freedom Movement Al-Ansar Brigades Palestinian Mujahideen Movement (Mujahideen Brigades) Fatah

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Battle of Gaza (2007)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Gaza_(2007)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Gaza_(2007)?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.