As if the Palestinian issue needs more complications, there are growing indications that Al Qaeda is penetrating the Palestinian territories to set up a presence in the heart of the Middle East conflict.
The indications, although hazy, are nevertheless raising serious questions and concerns over what an added Al Qaeda factor would do amid inter-Palestinian tensions, deteriorating economic conditions and a comatose peace process.
Despite widespread doubts that Al Qaeda has set up local cells in the West Bank and Gaza, the political, economic and social conditions in the territories are conducive for its successful penetration and the network will not ignore any opportunities.
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