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Mass arrests follow PA sting against Hamas spy network

Palestinian Authority military intelligence allegedly uncovered a year-long plot by Hamas to infiltrate the P.A. security framework.

Members of Hamas's security forces patrol an area along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90.
Members of Hamas’s security forces patrol an area along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90.

According to a report on the Ynet website on Tuesday, the Palestinian Authority has conducted sweeping arrests of senior P.A. defense officials suspected of spying for Hamas.

P.A. military intelligence allegedly uncovered a year-long plot by Hamas to infiltrate the P.A. security framework. The organization’s leadership was immediately informed and a sting operation launched against the suspects, who have now been arrested.

According to reports, some of the spies were acting under duress following the arrest by Hamas of their relatives in Gaza, while others were paid for their service. Participants were asked to provide information about operations planned by the P.A. against Hamas in Gaza and to spread disinformation within the P.A. security establishment.

Spies were found in the general security services, police, national security services and intelligence service.

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