The Palestinian Authority (PA) is not in control of terrorist gangs, and the relative quiet from terrorists during the expulsion of Jews was a result of the gangs’ desire to take credit for the takeover, radio commentator Ronnie Shaked said Saturday night. "PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) does nothing," Shaked stated.



He added that Hamas leaders have told him there is no chance they will guard the synagogues in the destroyed Gush Katif communities. "You built the synagogues as part of the occupation," a Hamas leader told him.



Further complicating the security situation are the PA legislative elections for January, which will be a test of PA strength. Terrorist organizations are popular throughout the area because they provide support for most of the 70 percent of the population which lives in poverty.



Violence continued Saturday as dozens of armed Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades terrorists raided PA offices to demand jobs, many of which have been distributed by ruling Fatah party members. Gunmen blocked roads and prevented PA police from passing.



Kidnappings of local Arabs and of foreigners have become common. An Italian journalist was released Saturday after an armed gang abducted him by stopping his vehicle and forcing him into their car.



The reporter said that Al-Aqsa terrorists kidnapped him to protest PA corruption.