Hamas Accused of Targeting Fatah Activists in Gaza

In another sign that Palestinian reconciliation is nowhere on the horizon, Hamas' internal security services (ISS) have summoned and detained dozens of Fatah activists across the Gaza Strip over the past few weeks, according to the Gaza-based Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR).

"The campaign started with summons that were sent to the majority of the arrested persons to refer to the ISS head office each in his area and/or arrest them from their houses. ... [It] targeted a number of Fatah leaders, including current and former province secretaries, area secretaries and other members. The arrested persons were questioned about giving money to families of Fatah members who were wounded or killed during the events of June 2007," the PCHR stated in a media release issued on Aug. 13.