Gaza City Divide

“Hamas is trying to terrorize Fatah and the people of Gaza,” says Hatim, 28, a former Fatah security guard who won’t divulge his last name. “I’m not scared. I don’t think there’s a direct threat against my life. But I am careful.” The posters show the late Fatah leader Yasser Arafat.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

With so many of its members in hiding, Fatah gathering spots are quiet these days. “We used to have 25 to 30 people in this center at a time.... Now only about 10 come. We open it only in the evening,” Hatim says.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

“We will not turn into some sort of militant gang,” Hatim says of Fatah, expressing regret over Palestinians fighting one another instead of unifying against Israel. “But I know I will not leave Gaza under any circumstances, even if there’s a threat against my life.”  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

“There is a threat to all Fatah ex-security people,” says Karam Tahar, with his 2-year-old daughter. “Before the coup, I did my duty to help my country. But now I spend most of my days sleeping.”  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)