"Some of these clans bought Kassam missiles for either prestige or in an
attempt to enhance their power," a Palestinian source said.
[On Tuesday, Palestinian gunners fired Kassam-class, short-range
missiles into Israel. One of the missiles slammed into a building in the
southern city of Sderot.]
So far, EF has targeted clans aligned with Fatah. Hamas forces attacked
the Al Astal clan in Khan Yunis and forced members to surrender some of
their weapons.
On June 19, Executive Force spokesman Islam Shahwan said his agency
notified Palestinian clans of the weapons-collection operation. Shahwan said
EF obtained agreement from the clans to surrender their weapons.
At that point, Shahwan said, EF would determine which weapons legally
belonged to the clans. He said EF would become a leading player in an
anti-crime campaign in the Gaza Strip.
In wake of the Hamas takeover, EF has launched operations in Gaza City.
Shahwan said EF and police conducted a joint mission against drug dealers
east of Gaza City. He said EF also oversaw the baccalaureate examinations in
the Gaza Strip.
The EF operation has been endorsed by Hamas political leaders. Ahmed
Yusef, the adviser to ex-PA Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said Hamas plans
to impose order in the Gaza Strip and reconcile warring clans.
"We are collecting the weapons of the security forces," Yusef said.
"Hamas is collecting all illegal arms. Weapons are to remain with the legal
forces, and the government's weapons must be restored."
