Voices: Palestinian factions - Said

Said Abdelwahed is a professor of English Literature at al-Azhar University in Gaza

Q: How has the Fatah-Hamas violence affected your everyday life in Gaza?

A: Many people feel disappointed with what is happening on the streets of Gaza.

There is no peace in the city. Sometimes, when I go to work, I feel I may not come back.

MEET THE PANEL Name: Said Abdelwahed Age: 50s Lives: Gaza Works: Academic

I sense the same feeling among my university colleagues and the students as well.

No-one is secure; you fear being abducted or getting caught in crossfire. Isn't that horrible?

There are calls by educated people against such violence, but I doubt it influences the fighting factions.

If you drive a car at nightfall you realise how serious the situation is. Shops close earlier than they used to, and people do not move around as easily or freely as they did.

They would rather stay at home than risk their lives.

Q: Who is in control of the streets?

A: No-one is in particular control of any area. The thing is, Hamas fighters are better trained, better organised and more committed than Fatah's fighters.

In some families there are some brothers who support Hamas while others support Fatah. Surely this indicates a bloody future?

When Hamas move their forces, they spread easily and gain control over wide areas. Fatah does not enjoy that mobility.

It's really horrible and sad that Palestinians are killing each other. Isn't that what makes people disrespect their leaders? I think it's only a small number of people causing this trouble. It is very unfortunate when innocents pay with their lives for matters that have nothing to do with them.

Q: What do you think of the call for early elections by the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas?

A: I cannot understand Abbas' call, but it is still a call, not a decision. I did not vote for Hamas but I dream of having the freedom of choice like the people of Europe enjoy.

Even if Abbas did decide to hold new elections and Hamas agreed to it, I do not believe they would be honest and free.

Does Abbas think that Hamas will lose?

What would happen if Hamas won again? I think that is perfectly possible.

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