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IDF to Step Up Campaign Against Hamas in West Bank

[Ha'aretz ] Amos Harel - Israel's legal authorities have approved Israel Defense Forces' plans to target Hamas' civilian infrastructure. After receiving permission to seize property that provides Hamas-affiliated associations with income, even if they are not directly linked to terrorism, the IDF has shut down a mall in Hebron, confiscated buses and prohibited the opening of a new school in Hebron due to ties with Hamas-linked Islamic associations. Offices and storehouses have also been shut down. The IDF argues that closing Hamas-affiliated institutions cuts off a crucial source of funding earmarked for terror activities. The move is also a bid to stem Hamas' rising popularity and keep it from wresting control from the Palestinian Authority. A senior IDF officer said of Hamas, "They have knowledge, funds and skilled people, much more so than Fatah....They won the elections in many towns and local authorities [in the West Bank], and they are gradually gaining control of more education, health, welfare and religious institutions." "We're talking about strengthening the moderate elements that is, the Palestinian Authority, but actually the PA has little control over the area. Hamas has taken over all the associations - not just blatantly Islamic bodies, but also those that used to be under PA control. The Palestinian public prefers Hamas, because they are less corrupt and more efficient."
2008-07-07 01:00:00
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