Key Facts
- Duration
- 6 days (10–15 June 2007)
- Killed
- At least 161
- Wounded
- More than 700
- Outcome
- Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip
- Territory divided
- Gaza (Hamas) vs. West Bank (PNA/Fatah)
Strategic Narrative Overview
Between 10 and 15 June 2007, Hamas fighters launched a coordinated offensive against Fatah positions across the Gaza Strip. Hamas rapidly overran Fatah-controlled security compounds, presidential facilities, and checkpoints. Fatah forces were unable to mount effective resistance, and within six days Hamas had established full military and administrative control over the territory, defeating Fatah decisively.
01 / The Origins
Tensions between Fatah and Hamas escalated sharply following Hamas's victory in the January 2006 Palestinian legislative elections. Despite the formation of a short-lived National Unity Government in 2007, rivalry over control of Palestinian security forces and political authority remained unresolved. The collapse of the unity government created a power vacuum that triggered open armed confrontation between the two factions in the Gaza Strip.
03 / The Outcome
Following Hamas's victory, Fatah officials were captured, executed, or expelled from Gaza. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas dissolved the unity government and declared a state of emergency. The Palestinian territories were effectively split: Hamas governed Gaza while Fatah retained control of the West Bank under the Palestinian National Authority, producing a political division that persisted long afterward.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent