Special to WorldTribune.com

GAZA CITY — The Hamas regime has arrested a leading officer linked to Egyptian intelligence.

Palestinian sources said Hamas’ military detained Ayman Taha, a leading officer in the Islamist regime in the Gaza Strip.

The sources said Taha, long a regime spokesman, was interrogated on charges of corruption, Middle East Newsline reported.

“The accusations against Taha are vague, but he is under some sort of detention,” a source said.

The sources said Hamas arrested Taha amid Egyptian pressure for the extradition of those suspected of helping the revolt in the Sinai Peninsula. They said Taha maintained links to the Egyptian intelligence community over the last two years.

“It is probable that elements within Hamas believe that Taha was leaking information,” the source said.

Taha was said to have been accused of acquiring illegal funds. They said
Taha purchased a large home in Gaza City, which sparked an official
investigation.

The sources said Taha was arrested in the southern Gaza Strip as he
sought to enter Sinai. They said Taha, a security adviser to Hamas Prime
Minister Ismail Haniyeh, often traveled to Cairo.

Hamas has not confirmed the arrest of Taha. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu
Zuhri said he did not know Taha’s location.

Taha’s brother, Hassan, issued a video statement that denied any arrest.
Hassan said Taha served as the liaison between Hamas and the Egyptian
intelligence community.

“If Ayman Taha left for Egypt or beyond, he does not need to ask
permission from the world to leave,” Taha said on Feb. 12. “He had left on
secret missions before, with the knowledge of Hamas.”

  Ayman Taha, Egyptian intel, Gaza Strip, Hamas said to detain its own spokesman for ‘leaking information’ to Egypt, Sinai Peninsula