GAZA – Palestinian Minister of Civil Affairs Mohamad Dahlan painted a grim view of the future of internal affairs, forcasting an attempt by Hamas to overthrow the Palestinian Authority (PA), the Haaretz Daily reported on Thursday.

Dahlan said that the Islamic organisation is attempting to carry out a military coup, and that Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon is aiding this initiative by saying that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is weak.

“It’s his (Sharon’s) job to strengthen him. He has to do something serious to strengthen the peace camp in Palestinian society,” the Palestinian minister said.

Following surges in violent clashes between Palestinians in recent days, Dahlan feels Hamas is stronger in Gaza today than the PA, and says he is “surprised that the PA hasnÂ’t collapsed yet.”

“If you ask whether the PA can stop all the terror, the obvious answer is no. Anyone who says otherwise is lying,” Dahlan said.

Earlier in the week, dozens of Palestinians were injured in clashes which errupted between Hamas and Palestinian security services in Gaza.

The PA took up unusually tough action against militants who stepped up rocket and mortar fire since last week’s attack against Jewish settlements and towns in and around Gaza.

Israel threatened to enter the Gaza Strip if the Palestinian Authority would not control attacks on its civilians.