Counter-intel drive targets Palestinians secretly informing Israeli intel

http://www.geostrategy-direct.com/geostrategy-direct/secure/2013/03_20/2.asp

 

Counter-intel drive targets Palestinians secretly informing Israeli intel

GAZA CITY — Hamas has launched another counter-espionage drive in the Gaza Strip.

Officials said the Hamas regime has again begun investigating suspected spies for Israel throughout the Gaza Strip. They said the campaign was being directed by the Interior Ministry and offered an amnesty for those who confess links to Israeli intelligence.

"This campaign will warn Palestinians of the dangers of espionage," Interior Ministry official Col. Mohammed Lafi said.

Since 2007, Hamas has executed at least 25 people suspected of working for Israeli intelligence. Human rights groups have criticized the death sentences as well as what some of them termed were unfair trials.

This marked the latest of counter-espionage drives by the Hamas regime. Officials said Palestinians have been paid to give Israeli intelligence agencies information on weapons shipments and the movement of Hamas military commanders, including military chief Ahmed Jabari, killed in an Israeli air strike in November 2012.

On March 6, Hamas television began broadcasting warnings against working for Israel as well as offering amnesty. The ads also urged Palestinians to report any Israeli attempt at recruitment.