The Hamas movement has recently intensified its efforts to carry out attacks against Israelis in the West Bank, with guidance from the Gaza Strip, according to Kan network news.
Kan said that a Hamas member, identified as A.A. and who was released from Israeli prison in the 2011 Shalit exchange deal, contacted dozens of West Bank Palestinians over the past six months to recruit them to carry out attacks.
The report said A. contacted some 60 individuals online, through social media and by telephone over the past six months, recruiting several people to the movement in recent months.
The Israeli security forces arrested five Palestinians recruited by the person above, three from Jenin and two others from Nablus and Bethlehem.
Kan quoted “informed” sources that reported that A. was recruiting new members, promising them that they would be financially rewarded. He has yet to pay any of them.
The channel stated that A. trained the recruits on how to carry out attacks against Israelis and sent them instructions over the phone on making explosives and purchasing the necessary equipment.
Meanwhile, Hamas reelected Ismail Haniyeh as head of its politburo until 2025.
By electing Haniyeh, Hamas concluded its internal elections, which began in mid-February, during which the movement’s regional officials were elected as well as members of the politburo.
Hamas holds elections every four years in four areas to appoint local leaders in Gaza and the West Bank and Shura Council, following long and somewhat complicated terms, unlike the rest of the Palestinian factions.
However, the structure of the movement has not seen a significant change after the recent polls with the reelection of Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and the return of Khalid Meshaal.
The movement bylaws stipulate the election of its president for two consecutive terms, and he is not entitled to be elected for a third term until after a transitional period has passed.
