Middle East - Escalating Palestinian violence

And they want their own country?

Members of rival families concur. Mahmoud el-Masri, whose family controls the east side of Beit Hanoun, said that since Hamas took office and the international community turned off the aid taps, Gaza has gotten more tribal and more dangerous. Mr. el-Masri, formerly an anti-narcotics officer, said that while Israel's air and sea blockade of the strip has made it difficult to get even some basic foodstuffs in the Gaza market, smugglers entering via tunnels from Egypt have flooded the strip with weapons and drugs. [Instead of basic foodstuffs.]

While the price of sugar has skyrocketed in the past 12 months, the price of guns and ammunition has fallen dramatically. Drug use has doubled, according to Mr. el-Masri, the money lining the pockets of the clans that control the trade, primarily the Hasanayn family, which is seen as Gaza's richest and most powerful.

Theft has skyrocketed, as Gazans turn to crime to pay for their new habits. The rising number of kidnappings in Gaza also plays a role, as ransom money is often used to buy cocaine, hashish, marijuana and weapons.

"The culture of violence has grown due to the collapse of any kind of authority," said Kamal Sharafi, a former Palestinian legislator in Gaza who has been called on to mediate disputes between belligerent clans. "Individuals in Gaza would give their lives for their family. They respect no other institution."