Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades (archives)
Photo: Reuters
Ex-Fatah official planned rocket attacks
Palestinian security organizations reveal former senior Fatah man led Hamas cell which plotted to fire rockets from West Bank into Israel
The Palestinian security organizations have revealed that a former Fatah
official headed a cell which had planned to fire rockets from the West Bank into Israel.
The security organizations have launched a manhunt for the man.
The man was responsible for one of the more famous attacks in the al-Asqa Intifada which left several Israel Defense Forces killed.
Last week it was reported that the Palestinian security organizations uncovered a Hamas cell's plot to fire rockets from the West Bank. A Palestinian Authority investigation revealed that the cell was headed by a former senior member of Fatah's military wing, whose name was even included in an amnesty deal signed between Israel and the PA about three years ago.
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According to PA officials, Hamas did not infiltrate Fatah's ranks in this incident as the operative involved had refused to sign the amnesty agreement three years ago and was known to have ties with Hamas men.
The PA's security leadership is deeply bothered by this affair, which joins the killing of Rabbi Meir Hai near the settlement of Shavei Shomron by a Fatah cell, and fears that the previously wanted Fatah men may no longer be committed to the agreement signed with Israel.
PA officials noted recently that following the diplomatic stalemate and the Fatah men's dissatisfaction with their personal situation, there has been a certain weakening in the wanted men's commitment to the lull and amnesty agreements. The PA is considering appointing a committee to handle the situation of former al-Aqsa activists.
Meanwhile, Hamas has declared its plan to resume attacks from the West Bank. PA officials fear that the disgruntled former wanted men may serve as a fertile ground for Hamas, which will work to recruit the men to take part in its activities in the West Bank, or at least give Israel an excuse not to meet its security commitments in the West Bank.
