Hamas Ammunition Warehouse Explodes In Southern Lebanon

 

CNN: Hamas ammunition warehouse explodes causing casualties in southern Lebanon 

(CNN)A Hamas warehouse filled with ammunition at a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon exploded on Friday, causing casualties, according to Lebanon state-run NNA news. 

"Sounds of explosions were heard in the al-Burj al-Shamali camp for Palestinian refugees, east of Tyre, in one of the Palestinian Islamic centers inside the camp," NNA said in its report. 

Hamas, a militant fundamentalist Islamic organization operating in the West Bank and Gaza, has offices in certain areas of Lebanon.  

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Hamas Ammunition Warehouse Explodes In Southern Lebanon  

Hamas says oxygen bottles exploded in Lebanon camp, not arms -- ABC News/AP 

Hamas source says weapons cache that exploded in southern Lebanon was ‘for defense’ -- Times of Israel

Explosions in Lebanon's Tyre, near Palestinian refugee camp -- DW  

Explosion at south Lebanon Palestinian camp leaves a dozen injured with others feared dead -- ABC News Australia 

Lebanon: Blast rocks Palestinian camp, causes casualties -- Al Jazeera

Hamas Admits It Receives Arms And Missile Sipplies From Iran

Adnan Abu Amer, Al-Monitor: Hamas opens up on arms, missile supplies from Iran

Hamas surprisingly revealed the secrets of weapons smuggling through Sudan, Syria, Iran and Sinai, which led to questions about the reasons behind such disclosure at this time.

While Hamas had for years been keen on hiding how it was receiving its weapons and combat equipment from outside the Palestinian territories, it decided to unveil, for the first time ever, some of these security and military secrets.

The program “What is Hidden is Greater” broadcast by the Qatari Al Jazeera channel on Sept. 13 presented exclusive footage showing members of Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, collecting Iranian Fajr missiles and Kornet Anti-Tank shells. Hamas said the movement received those weapons by land and sea, bypassing military bases, aviation and maritime patrols, and it revealed the manufacturing of new missiles constructed of Israeli missile remnants from the 2014 war on Gaza.

The program was presented by Palestinian journalist Tamer al-Mashal and hosted by Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’ political bureau, and a number of Hamas military leaders.

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WNU Editor: The above video is (unfortunately in Arabic). It is an open secret that Iran is sending weapons to Hamas. But it is rare to hear Hamas admit it.

Reports: Turkey Allowing Hamas To Plot Terror Attacks On Israelis From Its Soil

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) met with Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas (L) Credit: TURKISH PRESIDENCY PRESS OFFICE / AFP

The Telegraph: Exclusive: Hamas plots attacks on Israel from Turkey as Erdogan turns blind eye

Turkey is allowing senior Hamas operatives to plot attacks against Israel from Istanbul, The Telegraph can disclose, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plays host to the terrorist group’s leaders.

Transcripts of Israeli police interrogations with suspects show that senior Hamas operatives are using Turkey’s largest city to direct operations in Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank, including an assassination attempt earlier this year on the mayor of Jerusalem.

Israel has repeatedly told Turkey that Hamas is using its territory to plan attacks, but last weekend Mr Erdogan met Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas, and Turkish intelligence agents maintain close contact with the group’s operatives in Istanbul. "We will keep on supporting our brothers in Palestine," Mr Erdogan said.

Turkey is already facing questions from Western allies over its support for extremist rebels in northern Syria and over its commitment to Nato after buying a Russian missile system.

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WNU Editor: Israelis wants US sanctions .... Barkat asks US to sanction Turkey after report of Hamas assassination plot (Times of Israel)

More News On Reports That Turkey Is Allowing Hamas To Plot Terror Attacks On Israelis From Its Soil

Israel accuses Turkey of 'turning a blind eye' to Hamas by allowing the terror group to plot attacks on Jerusalem from Istanbul -- Daily Mail
Turkey allowing Hamas to plot attacks on Israelis from its soil – report -- Times of Israel
Turkey Allows Hamas to Plot Attacks Against Israel on Its Soil, Report Shows -- Haaretz
Hamas is Planning Attacks Against Israel from Inside Turkey and Erdogan is Allowing it - Report -- CBN
Turkey Allows Hamas To Plot Attacks From Istanbul: Telegraph -- Zero Hedge

Hamas Hunting Down Israeli Collaborators In Gaza

Hamas policemen carry out a raid in Nuseirat, south of Gaza City on March 22, 2018, that resulted in the arrest of a suspect in a recent bomb attack against the Palestinian prime minister, officials said. ( AFP PHOTO / MOHAMMED ABED)

Al-Monitor: Gaza security tracking down suspects in recent Israeli raid

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — In cooperation with armed factions in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian security services are cracking down on Palestinians suspected of providing field and logistics services to Israeli special forces. Those forces entered the southern Gaza Strip on Nov. 11, but armed Hamas fighters exposed the incursion.

Nearly all the Israelis managed to escape in a helicopter after heavy clashes with Hamas. One of the Israelis was killed; seven Palestinians died.

Security forces then launched the crackdown Nov. 13 and began seeking leads into the Israelis' mission. Investigators found sophisticated communications and electronic devices near a vehicle the invaders had abandoned. Israel had tried to destroy the evidence of the undercover raid by shelling the vehicle.

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Update: Hamas on hunt for ‘collaborators’ after Israeli special forces operation in Gaza (Times of Israel)

WNU Editor: The penalty in Gaza for collaborating with Israel is death.

U.S. Adds Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh To Terror Blacklist

BBC: Ismail Haniya: US designates Hamas leader as terrorist

The United States has designated the political leader of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas as a terrorist and imposed sanctions on him.

The state department said Ismail Haniya had "close links with Hamas' military wing" and been a "proponent of armed struggle, including against civilians".

Hamas, which dominates the Gaza Strip, is already designated a terrorist group by the US, Israel, the EU and UK.

It denounced as "worthless" the blacklisting of Mr Haniya.

A statement from the group said the decision would "not dissuade us from continuing to hold fast to the option of resisting and expelling the [Israeli] occupation".

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WNU Editor: Hamas has responded .... Hamas: US decision on Ismail Haniya 'will not deter us' (Al Jazeera)

More News On The U.S. Adding Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh To It's Terror Blacklist

U.S. State Department designates Hamas leader as terrorist -- Reuters
State Department puts top Hamas leader Ismail Haniya on US terrorist blacklist -- Washington Times
US adds Hamas leader to terror blacklist, imposes sanctions -- The Hill
US designates Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh an international terrorist -- Deutsche Welle
US Designates Hamas Political Leader as 'Global Terrorist' -- Voice of America
US puts Hamas chief Haniyeh on terror blacklist -- The Times of Israel
Hamas leader Ismail Haniya added to US 'terror list' -- Al Jazeera

Hamas Security Chief Survives Assassination Attempt In The Gaza Strip

Hamas chief Ismail Haniya visiting Tawfiq Abu Naim, director general of the internal security forces, at a hospital in Gaza City after he was wounded in a car bombing

Daily Mail: Hamas security chief survives 'assassination attempt' after his car is blown up in the Gaza Strip

* Tawfiq Abu Naim is recovering in hospital with minor injuries after bombing
* Hamas has been the de facto governing authority of the Gaza Strip since 2007
* Islamic fundamentalist group called bombing an 'assassination attempt'

The security chief of Islamic fundamentalist group Hamas has survived an 'assassination attempt' after his car was blow up in the Gaza Strip.

Tawfiq Abu Naim is recovering in hospital with minor injuries after the bombing on Friday afternoon.

The group has not released details of how he survived the explosion in central Gaza but it is thought he was not in his car at the time.

Hamas has been the de facto governing authority of the Gaza Strip since its takeover of that area in 2007.

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More News On Hamas' Security Chief Surviving An Assassination Attempt In The Gaza Strip

Hamas says its security chief wounded in Gaza car bombing -- Reuters
Hamas Security Chief Wounded in Gaza Car Bomb -- Wall Street Journal
Senior Hamas official wounded in Gaza car explosion -- Washington Post/AP
Gaza security director survives assassination attempt -- Al-Arabiya

Ismail Haniya Elected As Leader Of Hamas

Al Jazeera: Ismail Haniya elected new political chief of Hamas

Khaled Meshaal, who preceded Haniya as leader of the political bureau, confirms transition to Al Jazeera.

Ismail Haniya has been elected as the new leader of Hamas's political bureau, according to the Palestinian movement's news agency.

The announcement on Satuday came just days after Hamas unveiled a more moderate stance towards Israel.

Khaled Meshaal, who preceded Haniya as leader of the movement's political wing, confirmed the transition of power to Al Jazeera.

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More News On Hamas Electing Ismail Haniya As Its Next Leader

Hamas says Ismail Haniyeh chosen as Islamic group's leader -- AP
Hamas elects former deputy Haniyeh as new political chief -- Reuters
Hamas picks former Gaza chief Haniyeh as its leader -- France 24
Hamas Picks Ismail Haniya as Leader as Power Balance Shifts to Gaza -- NYT
Ismail Haniya elected new Hamas leader -- CNN
Hamas elects former Gaza premier Ismail Haniyeh as new leader -- DW
Hamas chooses Ismail Haniya as new leader -- BBC
Haniya: from refugee camp to charismatic Hamas leader -- AFP

Hamas Revises Its Founding Charter Accepting A Palestine Based On 1967 Borders

Reuters: Hamas to soften stance on Israel, Muslim Brotherhood: Arab sources

The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas will drop its longstanding call for Israel's destruction as well as its association with the Muslim Brotherhood, in a policy document to be issued on Monday, Gulf Arab sources said.

Hamas's move appears aimed at improving relations with Gulf Arab states and Egypt, which label the Brotherhood a terrorist organization, and mending a rift with the main Palestinian faction headed by President Mahmoud Abbas.

It comes two days before Abbas is due in Washington, and days after President Donald Trump told Reuters he may travel to Israel this month and sees no reason why there should not be peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

But the document, to be announced later on Monday, will still reject Israel's right to exist and back "armed struggle" against it, the Gulf Arab sources told Reuters.

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More News On Hamas Revising Its Founding Charter

Hamas accepts Palestinian state with 1967 borders -- Al Jazeera
Hamas to present new charter accepting a Palestine based on 1967 borders -- The Guardian
New Hamas program softens language, but some goals remain -- AP
New Hamas document accepts Palestinian state with 1967 borders -- AFP
In Palestinian Power Struggle, Hamas Moderates Talk on Israel -- NYT
Hamas presents new policy document -- CNN
Israel Blasts Hamas' New Charter: Group Still Dedicated to War With Israel -- Haaretz
Netanyahu blasts terror funding as Hamas tries to soften image -- FOX News
Mahmoud Abbas squeezes Hamas for control of Gaza Strip -- The Australian/WSJ

Hamas Elects A New Leader In Gaza Who Opposes Any Compromise With Israel

Hamas leader Yehia Sinwar attends a rally in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip January 7, 2016. (photo credit:REUTERS)

BBC: Hamas hardliner Yehiya Sinwar elected as Gaza leader

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has elected a hardline commander of its armed wing as the movement's overall leader in the Gaza Strip.

Yehiya Sinwar replaces Ismail Haniyeh, a former prime minister in the territory's Hamas-run government.

Mr Sinwar was jailed in Israel for murder but freed under a deal when Hamas released an Israeli in 2011.

Hamas rejects Israel's right to exist and Mr Sinwar is known to oppose any compromise with the Jewish state.

Some Hamas leaders have suggested a long truce with Israel if it completely withdraws to pre-1967 ceasefire lines and lifts its blockade of Gaza.

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WNU Editor: I guess it is safe to assume that this new Hamas leader does not believe that Israel should exist.

More News On Hamas Electing Yehiya Sinwar As Its New Leader In Gaza

Hamas military hardliner Sinwar elected group's Gaza chief -- AFP
Hamas Names Top Militant as New Leader in Gaza -- Bloomberg/AP
Hamas elects hardliner Yahya Sinwar as its Gaza Strip chief -- The Guardian
Palestinian Islamist Group Hamas Elects Yahya Sinwar as New Gaza Strip Leader -- Sputnik
Hamas elects ex-prisoner as Gaza top leader: report -- Xinhuanet

Hamas' Explosives Chief Accidentally Blows Himself Up

Twitter

Times of Israel: Hamas explosives chief said killed in accidental blast

Terror group says Muhammad Walid al-Quqa, 37, died of wounds sustained while ‘preparing equipment’ in northern Gaza

A senior Hamas field commander died Sunday of wounds incurred a day earlier in an accidental blast, the Gaza-based terror group said.

Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades, said in a statement posted to its official website that high-ranking field commander Muhammad Hemada Walid al-Quqa, 37, died Sunday morning. Other reports from Gaza said he was 44 years old.

According to the statement, Quqa was “preparing equipment” in the field when he was injured in an explosion.

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Update: Hamas bomb maker accidentally blows himself up (FOX News)

WNU Editor: Are we sure that he was the one responsible for accidentally blowing himself up?

Hamas In Gaza Is Facing A Money Crunch

Gazan youth practice military drills at a Hamas summer camp. Photo: Hamas.

Algemeiner: Hamas’ Funding Sources Are Drying Up

Hamas in Gaza is facing an acute financial crisis, as its overseas cash sources are drying up. This is forcing the Islamist regime and its armed terrorist wing, the Izzadin Al-Qassam Brigades, to resort to increasingly desperate measures, such as using international aid organizations to funnel cash away from Gazan civilians.

Hamas’ dire financial situation has multiple causes. First, Egypt has effectively blocked off many smuggling tunnels linking Gaza to Sinai, which were previously used to transfer money into Gaza from Hamas donors.

Additionally, Hamas finds itself without a clear international backer these days. Not only is Egypt decidedly hostile under the rule of President Sisi, but relations between Hamas are Iran are unstable — rising and falling periodically due to disagreements over conflict raging in Syria.

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WNU Editor: This is interesting .... it looks like the Israelis are giving them a financial lifeline .... Israel Comes to the Aid of the Faltering Palestinian Economy (WSJ).

Report: Hamas Employs 1,000 To Dig Tunnels In Gaza

Hamas terror operatives in Gaza tunnel. (photo credit:REUTERS)

Jerusalem Post: Report: Hamas taps over 1,000 terror operatives to dig Gaza tunnels

According to Israel Radio report, the terrorist organization invests hundreds of thousands of dollars each month in the subterranean digging activities.

Hamas employs more than 1,000 operatives to excavate underground tunnels in the Gaza Strip, Israel Radio reported Thursday.

According to the report, the terrorist organization invests hundreds of thousands of dollars each month in the digging activities, paying each operative engaged in the process some 300 to 400 dollars a month.

Hamas also heavily invests in smuggling building materials, including raw materials and excavation machinery from Egypt and Israel.

To prepare for a possible future incursion with Israel, the Palestinian terrorist organization's elite 'Nukhbah' unit carries out drills practicing different scenarios simulating offenses in the tunnels near the border fence with Israel. Several of the members of the unit have been killed in recent months in tunnel collapses in the coastal Palestinian enclave, according to the Israel Radio report.

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WNU Editor: I guess this is their version of a "jobs program". I do not know if this report is accurate, but the Gaza tunnel network was a problem for the Israeli army in the last war .... so why not get ready for the next conflict.

Hamas Shows Off Their 'New Tank'

Proudly paraded at a Hamas funeral service, on first glance this 'tank' looked every bit the fearsome war machine. But a closer look revealed what looked like tyres between the mysteriously immobile tank treads

Daily Mail: A wheely bad effort! Hamas gets the internet treatment after unveiling its new 'tank'... that is really just a wooden car

* Hamas paraded 'captured, rebuilt Israeli tank' at funeral for seven members
* But a closer look appeared to show tyres between the immobile tank treads
* Israeli Prime Minister spokesman tweeted: 'FYI, tanks aren't made of wood'
* The 'tank' was part of service for men crushed when Gaza tunnel collapsed

Proudly paraded at the funeral of seven Hamas members, at first glance this 'captured and rebuilt Israeli tank' looked every bit the fearsome war machine.

But a closer look appeared to unmask it as more wooden car than military might as eagle-eyed Twitter users spotted what looked like tyres between the mysteriously immobile tank treads.

It was even suggested the vehicle bore similarities to a carnival float as a photo of the 'tank' was mocked on social media.

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Update #1: Hamas' new 'tank' rollout draws social media snickers -- FOX News
Update #2: Hamas tank? It's pimp my tank, as terrorists ride a not-so-scary, non-tank thing -- Examiner

WNU Editor: Not my idea of a rebuilt tank.

Hamas Bans New Years Celebrations In Gaza For Being Incompatible With Islamic Values

Palestinians celebrate New Year's Eve in the West Bank city of Ramallah in 2012 (AFP Photo/Abbas Momani)

IBTimes: New Year's Eve Banned In Gaza: Hamas Rules Holiday Celebrations 'Incompatible' With Islamic Values

The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas has reportedly banned all New Year’s Eve celebrations this year, the Agence France-Presse reported Wednesday. Hotels and restaurants that requested permits to hold public parties Thursday night were denied the right to do so, and the police have vowed to clamp down on unlicensed celebrations.

Hamas leaders determined such celebrations were “incompatible with our customs, traditions, values and the teachings of our religion,” police spokesman Ayman al-Batinji told AFP. Parties for the holiday were also seen to contravene with “solidarity with the families of the martyrs of the Jerusalem intifada,” he said. The comment referred to turmoil that has spilled across much of the West Bank in recent months.

More News On Hamas Banning New Years Celebrations In Gaza For Being Incompatible With Islamic Values

Hamas bans New Year's celebrations in Gaza -- DW
Hamas bans New Year’s Eve parties in Gaza -- AFP
Hamas bans New Year’s Eve celebrations in Gaza -- RT

Hamas Naval Commando Drowns During Training Accident

Hamas naval commando who drowned in training accident. (photo credit:ARAB MEDIA)

Jerusalem Post: Hamas naval commando drowns in training accident off Gaza coast

The death of the commando came amid signs over the past year that Hamas is attempting to bolster its capability to attack Israel from the sea.

A member of the naval commando unit of Hamas's military wing, the Kassam Brigades, drowned in a training accident on Sunday off the coast of Gaza, the group announced.

The Hamas naval commando was named as 27-year-old Nabil Marine, from Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip.

The Kassam Brigades praised Marine as a martyr in its statement on his death.

The death of the commando came amid signs over the past year that Hamas is attempting to bolster its capability to attack Israel from the sea.

WNU Editor: It looks like Hamas is still trying to develop a force that can attack Israel from the sea.

Hat Tip to Rantburg for this link.

Hamas Rebuilds Their Tunnels Into Israel

Hamas militants in an attack tunnel in 2014.

Times of Israel: Hamas has 'hundreds of men' working constantly to rebuild its attack tunnels into Israel

Israeli officials accused Hamas on Tuesday of confiscating building materials sent into the Gaza Strip and using them to rebuild its attack tunnel infrastructure.

Yoav Mordechai, the coordinator of Israeli government activities in the territories, accused the group of misappropriating supplies — particularly wood — for its terror activities.

“Members of Hamas took over warehouses of construction materials and confiscated (them) for the benefit of the group’s underground infrastructure,” Mordechai said in a statement.

WNU Editor: Getting ready for the next war.

Hamas Labeled A 'Terrorist Organization' By Egyptian Court

CNN: Egyptian court designates Hamas as a terror organization, state media says

Cairo (CNN)An Egyptian court has ruled that Hamas is a terrorist organization, according to an Egyptian state-run media organization.

Hamas, the Islamist group which dominates the Gaza strip, has been at odds with the Egyptian government since the country's former President, Mohammed Morsy, was ousted in a coup in the summer of 2013.

Morsy was a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist political organization that shares deep ties with Hamas. The government formed after Morsy's ouster designated the Brotherhood as a terrorist group in December 2013; since then, many of its leaders have been charged with supporting terrorism.

Hamas quickly denounced the decision at a news conference.

WNU Editor: Further signs that Egypt believes that Hamas is behind the growing instability and violence in the Sinai.

More News on An Egyptian Court labeling Hamas A Terrorist Organization

Egyptian court declares Hamas a 'terrorist organization' -- AP
Egyptian Court Rules Hamas a Terrorist Organization -- VOA
Egyptian court: Hamas a terrorist organization -- UPI
Hamas says Egypt listing it as terrorist organization is 'shocking and dangerous' -- Reuters
Egypt Listing Hamas as Terrorist Organization ‘Shocking, Dangerous’ – Hamas -- Sputnik

Hamas Spokesman Warns That If They Do Not Get Money They Will Then Become Terrorists

Not extremists (Reuters)

Jeffrey Goldberg, The Atlantic: Hamas Warns: Give Us Money Or We'll Become Terrorists

WNU Editor: "Give us money or else" .... not exactly my preferred way of asking international donors to give me assistance ... but it appears that for some in Hamas this makes perfect sense. But it looks like funding problems are becoming a bigger problem for Hamas than what is being reported .... Report: Hamas Desperate to Renew Talks With Israel After PA, UN Funding Slows (Algemeiner).

My prediction .... after last years war everyone is reluctant to give Hamas any money. After-all .... money provided in the past was used in building tunnel systems and weapons .... so why provide more? And as to yesterdays' Hamas rocket test .... Hamas Conducts Large-Scale Rocket Test (Arutz Sheva) .... you cannot help but feel that Hamas is only getting ready for the next war.

Hamas Leader Calls On Obama To Stop 'Holocaust' In Gaza

In Personal Plea, Top Hamas Leader Calls On Obama To Stop 'Holocaust' In Gaza -- Michael Isikoff, Yahoo News

Meshaal compares Israeli prime minister to Hitler, criticizes Hillary Clinton in Yahoo News exclusive

The political chief of Hamas has called on President Barack Obama to intervene with the Israeli government to "lift the siege" of Gaza and push for a cease-fire in the conflict to stop a "holocaust" against the Palestinians.

"You as the leader of the most powerful state in the world, I ask you to call [on] Israel to stop its aggression on Gaza — and to lift the siege and open the cross borders and to rebuild Gaza," said Hamas political leader Khaled Meshaal, in an exclusive interview with Yahoo News. "This is our demands."

The direct appeal to the president was made — in English — at the end of a wide-ranging hourlong interview, conducted under tight security at a gated Hamas media office in Doha, Qatar. It came amid a new round of violence in the Gaza conflict, including the death of a 4-year-old Israeli child on a kibbutz from a Hamas rocket and the execution of 18 suspected Israeli collaborators by masked Hamas gunmen. On Saturday, Israeli aircraft demolished a 12-story apartment building, sending a huge fireball into the sky and wounding 22 people, including 11 children.

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Update: CNN exclusive: Inside the mind of Hamas' political leader.

My Comment: He is looking for a way out.

Hamas' Army Is Stepping Out Of The Shadows

Secretive Army of Hamas Emerges From Shadows in Gaza -- Wall Street Journal

Conflict Has Brought Qassam Brigade, Guerrilla Army of Hamas, Into Battle Against Israel

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip—When the shrapnel-torn body of Ahmed Abu Thoraya returned to this city in the Gaza Strip, only one member of his family knew for sure he had been a fighter in Al Qassam Brigade, the armed wing of Hamas.

Mr. Abu Thoraya had given his brother, Mohammed, a short will before he left town on July 19. "He said 'I'm going somewhere,' " his brother recalled recently. "I knew that he may not come back."

The conflict in the Gaza Strip has brought the secretive guerrilla army of Hamas out of the shadows and into battle against Israel's military for only the second time. When the brigade's fighters are killed, Hamas street organizers eulogize them as heroes, posting images of them in fatigues and toting rockets. And families in the Gaza Strip are coming to terms with never-before-discussed identities of sons and neighbors.

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My Comment: Everyone knew that Hamas had an army .... but it took a war to reveal who they are.