Officials said Palestinian clans were warned to surrender their weapons
and release captives. They said the Army of Islam transferred an abducted
Israeli soldier to Hamas, Middle East Newsline reported.
"As the case of Alan Johnston has ended, we hope that the case of the
Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit may end too in an honorable deal that would
secure the release of our hero prisoners from Israeli jails," Hamas leader
and former Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said.
Officials said Hamas was receiving praise from Western diplomats. They
said Britain and other European Union states were impressed by Hamas's
military operation.
"Hamas has a huge law and order agenda," Johnston said. "It is better at
keeping law and order than many would agree. And God knows Gaza needs law
and order."
The Palestinian Human Rights Center said 55 foreigners, including 12
journalists, were abducted in the Gaza Strip since 2004. In most cases, the
hostages were released after several days.
"Although these kidnappings ended with the safe release of the hostages,
no legal action was taken against the perpetrators," the center said.
Hamas said the Army of Islam, with about 150 fighters, surrendered many
of its weapons to the Executive Force. Officials said the Al Qaida-aligned
group, a front for the powerful Dughmoush clan, was defeated in a
demonstration of the capabilities of the new Hamas regime.
"We are determined to put an end to this kidnapping business and show
who's boss," an official said.
