Hamas Targets Even More Radical Group

If Hamas is blowing up your house because you're too extreme for them, you might be going just a tad too far. Such was the fate of Sheikh Abu al-Nour al-Maqdessi, the leader of a radical Islamist movement in Gaza called the Soldiers of the Partisans of God. On Friday, the group declared an Islamic emirate in Gaza with al-Maqdessi as its leader and called on Muslims to send weapons and fighters to use in attacks on Jews. The announcement sparked clashes with Hamas, whose spokesman called them "outlaws" who were "terrorizing the country and attacking civilians." Their authority challenged, a gunfight erupted near al-Maqdessi's mosque, which Hamas forces took over, then spread to al-Maqdessi's home, which was destroyed and resulted in his death. According to CNN, some 21 people were killed in the fighting, including al-Maqdessi.