Released on Aug. 11, the report said Al Ahrar has received support from
Turkey's Foundation for Human Rights and Humanitarian Relief, known as
IHH, the government-aligned Islamic movement that sponsored the
flotilla to the Gaza Strip in May 2010. Nine people, eight of them Turks,
were killed in a bloody Israel Navy interception of the lead ship of the
flotilla.
"Israel were set on fire during the announcement ceremonies, while a
representative of the Turkish organization IHH congratulated the
participants by a video call," the report said.
Al Ahrar, which does not recognize the rule of PA Chairman Mahmoud
Abbas, has vowed to attack Israel from both the Gaza Strip and the West
Bank. The report said the Fatah defectors have been provided with publicity
and probably military support by Hamas, which has been fostering proxies
to attack Israel.
"It is also our belief that its military activity is supported and
directed by Hamas," the report said.
On July 7, Al Ahrar announced its new military wing, called Al Ansar
Battalions. In a ceremony, several dozen fighters brandished AK-47 assault
rifles and torched Israeli and U.S. flags. Later, the militia
participated in a parade organized by Hamas police and attended by leading
Hamas officials. They included Interior Minister Fathi Hamad and Hamas
Legislative Council deputy speaker Ahmed Bahar.
Al Ahrar said the militia would begin operating over the next year. The
militia was said to have agreed to join Hamas and other forces that have
been attacking Israel.
"The actions of the Al Ahrar movement since its establishment prove that
it is a true continuation of the movements of resistance in its adherence to
rights, fundamental principles, and defense of the resistance," Bahar, the
Hamas deputy legislature speaker, said.
The Israeli intelligence center said Hamas would deploy Al Ahrar to
attack Israel. The report said Hamas has already recruited other militias in
this effort.
"It is our assessment that, once its policy of terrorist attacks allows
it, Hamas may employ military operatives belonging to the Al Ahrar network
as subcontractors for terrorist attacks, as it formerly did with operatives
of other similar terrorist networks," the report said.
ShareThis
