Hamas arrests 'collaborators' following Rafah kidnapping
Three Gaza residents suspected of collaborating with Israel arrested Sunday night by Hamas' special security force. Organization surprised by abduction of senior official Muhawesh al-Kadi so deep inside Palestinian territory, but says his involvement in Gilad Shalit affair ended a long time ago
Al-Kadi, who according to Palestinian reports was involved in the abduction of Corporal Gilad Shalit, was kidnapped on Friday night near his home in the southern Gaza Strip town.
According to the report, the operation was carried out about 2 kilometers from the security fence, in an area where a large number of Hamas gunmen are stationed.
Hamas officials confirmed that this was one of the Israelis' most daring acts and that troops disguised as Arabs had not entered so deep into the Strip for a long time.
Hamas was shocked by the courageous act, and launched an investigation into the incident immediately after it took place. Organization officials are convinced that the operation was made possible thanks to collaborators activated by Israel.
Hamas officials hope that Sunday night's arrests will help them understand how the IDF managed to enter so deep into the Palestinian territory and carry out the kidnapping without any resistance.
As for al-Kadi, sources in Hamas claim that his involvement in the Shalit kidnapping ended immediately after it was carried out, and that only a small number of organization members know where the Israeli soldier is being held.
A senior Hamas member told Ynet on Sunday that the Rafah kidnapping "will not lead Israel to Gilad Shalit, and neither will the arrest of 20 senior officials like al-Kadi."
