Sufian Abu Zaydeh
Photo: AFP
Abu Zaydeh following release says ‘line was crossed’
Senior Fatah official briefly held by Hamas activists describes circumstances of abduction
Shortly after Sufian Abu Zaydeh was abducted Monday night by Hamas activists, the former minister and senior Fatah official was released.
Following his release, Abu Zaydeh defined the incident as a “shameful, regretful event”.
Good Will?
News agencies
Infighting in Palestinian Authority continues: Hamas gunmen kidnap Sufian Abu Zaydeh, a former Fatah cabinet minister in northern Gaza Strip late Monday. Zaydeh later freed 'as gesture of goodwill'
In a conversation with Ynet, Abu Zaydeh described the chain of events leading up to the abduction.
“I was on my way to meet a senior Hamas official in order to try and put an end to the deterioration of the situation. While I was on my way, a large group of veiled gunmen surrounded me and forced me out of the car,” he explained.
“They led me to the home of a kidnapped Hamas activist, there was massive shooting there, and I was informed that I was kidnapped because I was a senior Fatah official,” he continued.
The former minister said that no pressure was put on him, nor were threats made. He explained that he was mainly concerned with the consequences of the kidnapping.
“I wasn’t worried about myself. I was worried about the consequences of this act, which crossed all lines. I believe the brothers of Hamas have to think hard about the interests of our people, our youth, the tragedy of the unrelenting bloodshed, and the continuation of this feud.”
A Hamas spokesman said Abu Zaydeh was freed as "a gesture of goodwill” in an attempt to solve the crisis and to emphasize their commitment to the agreement reached Sunday.
In the meantime, Fatah sources told Ynet that the release came following pressure by senior Fatah officials in the Palestinian Authority on Egypt and Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal.
The kidnapping apparently came in response to the kidnapping of Imad Deeb, one of Hamas’ military arm in commanders in the northern Gaza Strip.
