YNET NEWS: Despite ruling Gaza Strip with iron fist, Hamas faces growing opposition from extremist Islamic factions that consider its regime 'too liberal.' Latest example is kidnapping, murder of pro-Palestinian Italian activistThe execution of Italian activist Vittorio Arrigoni, who was murdered by a radical Islamist group in Gaza early Friday, sheds light on yet another facet of the extremist ideology held by Salafi organizations in the Gaza Strip.
The Hamas' security apparatus' quick response following news of the kidnapping, which led to the discovery of the body and several arrests, reiterated their uncompromising struggle against these extremist factions.
So are these small groups that have engaged in an all-out war against the Hamas government in the Strip?
The Salafi groups derive their ideology from global jihad activities, and in particular from al-Qaeda.
Salafism is a fundamentalist Sunni stream of Islam, which calls to return to the origins of the Faith. According to Salafi ideology, Islam was flawless in its original form, and has deteriorated with time.
As such, they advocate a return to the purest form of Islam, practiced back in the days of Prophet Muhammad.
Salafism is often characterized by religious zealotry and intolerance toward the West and the Christian minority in the Gaza Strip. » | Elior Levy | Saturday, April 16, 2011
YNET NEWS: Friends of murdered Italian activist 'devastated' » | Jonathan Fein | Friday, April 15, 2011
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