The London-based Arabic newspaper A-Sharq Al-Awsat reported that Hamas has recently intensified its operations against "gangs of thieves" that are "spreading" throughout the Gaza Strip, as well as against suspects collaborating with Israel. According to sources in the terror organization, "strict orders were given by Hamas leadership to act decisively against the gangs and punish them severely." The newspaper reports that in recent weeks, there has been a significant increase in criminal activity throughout Gaza, including looting of field hospitals, attacks on aid trucks, business break-ins, attacks in public markets and robbery of civilians.