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Hamas Action to Catch Spies Spreads Panic in Gaza

(AP) Ibrahim Barzak and Diaa Hadid - A secretive Hamas campaign to catch Palestinians spying for Israel has ensnared some prominent Gaza residents, drawn unusual criticism and highlighted the Islamic militant group's deep fears about being penetrated by agents of the Jewish state. There is widespread shock at some of the well-respected names among those thought to be detained - including two prominent physicians and an engineer, alongside members of Hamas itself. "Everybody in Gaza is under suspicion," said Mukheimar Abu Sada, a Gaza-based political scientist, describing an atmosphere of fear in the territory. Hamas feels "the government has been completely infiltrated, that Israel knows more about Hamas than what they know of themselves," Abu Sada said. Human rights workers estimate that more than 20 low-level Hamas operatives were rounded up as suspected collaborators in September. Detainees have been denied access to lawyers or family visits. "Rumors...have touched people and families and organizations that are respected in Gaza, and this has led to confusion and the shredding of our social fabric," Gaza writer Mustafa Sawaf wrote in the pro-Hamas daily Felesteen, in a rare display of public criticism.
2010-09-22 09:59:15
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