The Hamas assault on Hilles clan strongholds began on late Aug. 1 in the
Shejaiya neighborhood of Gaza City. At least nine people, including two
Hamas officers, were killed in fighting that included mortars, rocket and
machine gun fire.
"We are determined to continue the raid until we arrest all those
involved," Hamas police spokesman Islam Shahwan said. "This is just the
beginning."
The Hilles clan, which denied involvement in the bombings, has been
regarded as a leading ally of the Fatah movement, deposed from power in the
Hamas takeover in June 2007. The clan also contains a pro-Hamas faction.
The pro-Fatah faction has been led by Ahmed Hilles, a former PA security
commander. Ahmed Hilles also escaped the Gaza Strip.
"The Hilles family has become a military force and its members have been
attacking, abducting and even killing people," Hamas Interior Ministry
spokesman Ihab Al Hussein said. "We must put an end to their attacks on
innocent citizens."
