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Palestinian Rivalry Fuels Jump in West Bank Gun Prices


[Reuters/Washington Post] Haitham Tamimi - Two years ago, an M16 automatic rifle could fetch $5,400 or more in the Palestinian West Bank. Now buyers at Hebron's clandestine gun market are asked to pay more than double. Fears that clashes between Palestinian rivals Hamas and Fatah could erupt in the West Bank is fuelling a scramble for guns. Dealers in Hebron say weapons sales have jumped by up to 70% since Hamas took control of Gaza. "I don't feel safe anymore," said West Banker Abo Abdo, 28, who sold his car this month to buy a rifle to protect his wife and two children. "Everyone is buying guns." "People distrust the Palestinian police. They are buying guns to defend themselves," a Palestinian security source said.
2007-10-17 01:00:00
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