Hamas Extends Ban on Freed Prisoners Holding Sensitive Roles
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
Hamas has extended a ban preventing its freed prisoners from holding sensitive positions within the organization, citing security concerns. The decision, initially for 18 months, has been renewed, leaving many former officials without assignments but still receiving salaries. Some freed prisoners have allegedly provided intelligence to Israel, leading to their recruitment and subsequent restrictions. Hamas reportedly fears Israeli targeting of these individuals.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hamas extended a ban on its freed prisoners assuming sensitive roles within the organization.
- The decision, based on security recommendations, affects political, military, and media positions.
- Freed prisoners remain employed and salaried but are sidelined without specific duties.
- Some freed prisoners were allegedly recruited by Israel and provided intelligence to the Shin Bet.
- Hamas fears Israel may target freed prisoners, leading to the extended ban.
- Protests from freed prisoners have not yet led to a reversal of the decision.
Hamas has extended a decision barring its freed prisoners from assuming sensitive political, military, security, media, or social roles within the organization. The ban, initially implemented after prisoner exchange deals during the Gaza war and based on security recommendations from the military wing and internal security, was recently renewed despite its one-and-a-half-year term.
Freed individuals who previously held significant positions are now sidelined without assignments, though they continue to receive their salaries. Sources revealed that some freed prisoners were granted exceptions because Israel had recruited them, leading them to provide intelligence to the Shin Bet. One such individual, an officer in Hamas's internal security, supplied critical information about leaders in Khan Younis and the security apparatus he once served.
Other freed prisoners have reportedly been caught collaborating with Israel, with their intelligence leaks leading to Israeli strikes on Palestinian factions. The ban also affects media personnel released during the war who worked for Hamas institutions; they are prohibited from resuming their duties in print or online media.
Despite protests from some freed prisoners to Hamas political leadership, they have been assured the decision will remain in effect for an extended period. There are concerns among the freed prisoners that they might be ignored or have their salaries eventually canceled. Hamas appears to fear that Israel might target these individuals, especially when they are present in Hamas facilities or with movement leaders, thereby endangering them.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Only i24NEWS Arabic so far.
